Pedagogy 2025

Abstract

Architecture is at a critical point regarding how it deals with environmental problems. We can continue to attempt to solve these problems with the same method we used in the 20th century, industry and technology, causing further harm. Alternatively, we can look at the design of the very thing we are trying to help — the natural environment. Learning from nature and applying it to human design is the essence of biomimicry. This paper describes difficulties and specific solutions that proved helpful in teaching biomimicry to architecture students. Teaching architecture students how to design with biology as inspiration proved more difficult than anticipated. In the class, we explore how a building could function like a natural organism, deeper than form only. The difficulty was in the time needed to comprehend what the organism does to solve the problem the students defined. The first solution was to utilize the Biomimicry Design Spiral, created by the Biomimicry Institute. Another solution was to put the students in ‘Taxonomy Teams’ for the early phases. Adapting these solutions has improved the teaching and the outcome of the Biomimicry + Architecture lecture class and Experimental Option Studio. For example, this past semester in studio, we spent more time on prototyping and testing design solutions. The beginning phases were able to not only go smoothly but took less time. One step to improve the course would be to involve scientists as guest lecturers. This could help students understand the natural environment they are so interested in protecting.