Loop Networks and Anastomosis

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In my last post, we looked at the geometric features of resiliency, which included diversity, web-network structures, distribution across a range of scales, and the capacity to self-adapt and self-organize.

We can learn more about the characteristics of web-network structures in a fascinating article in Quanta Magazine, “In Natural Networks, Strength in Loops” by Emily Singer.

The article describes how complex networks form into an architecture of a random series of interconnected, hierarchically nested loops. Such nested loops increase the resiliency and robustness of networks. This resilient architecture can be seen in leaves, insect wings, cerebral vasculature, fungi networks, and the Eiffel Tower.

“The cheapest network to operate is a simple branching tree structure, which is employed by some ancient plants. Though efficient, this structure is not very resilient. When a link is damaged, parts of the system suffer loss of fluid and die.”

This is a theme that you can also hear reverberating throughout business and management literature. What seems to be most efficient on the surface—simple hierarchies with clearly delineated pathways of power and resources—is also most fragile.

“[Researchers] found that an architecture of hierarchically nested loops — meaning loops within loops within loops — is most resistant to damage. “Loops make the network redundant.””

Redundancy, as we’ve explored here before in optical fiber networks and social networks for disadvantaged college students, decreases fragility and increases robustness.

“The researchers also found that loop networks can better handle fluctuations in fluid flow as environmental conditions change.”

The world we live in today is increasingly volatile. Communities, markets, and states are increasingly subject to external or internal turbulence. This is why modern leaders increasingly talk about agility and adaptiveness, rather than domination and control.

“In a paper published in Nature Neuroscience in July, the researchers showed that the capillaries form a continuous network. “This means that the microvessels — capillaries — are fully connected among each other,” said Kleinfeld. “There are no regions of isolated vessels, no gated communities in real estate terms.””

Isolation increases fragility. This principle made me think of another excellent article, “The Social Life of Genes” by David Dobbs, which I will dive into further in a future post. In his discussion of researcher Steve Cole, he explores the idea that loneliness and social isolation results in greater illness and premature death. As Cole puts it, “Social isolation is the best-established, most robust social or psychological risk factor for disease out there. Nothing can compete.”

So how can we apply the principles of naturally resilient networks to man-made structures, such as school communities?

Let’s consider of how an architecture of nested loops can apply to leadership, curriculum, and infrastructure. We must seek opportunities to build connections between:

Distributed leadership throughout every department and grade level team (teams here equating with “loops”)
Interdisciplinary practices and content
Learning spaces that create varied opportunities for social interaction and solitary study

There’s a great term that we can use here which a commentator introduced on the original article: anastomosis. Anastomosis refers to connections made between adjacent channels in a network. Anastomosis is what we want to create in a school community. By seeking opportunities for anastomosis in our curriculum, infrastructure, and teacher teams, we can create more resilient schools.

Schools & Ecosystems

Loop Networks and Anastomosis

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