Our writing and speculative design explorations seek to develop a conceptual foundation of how we apply a bio-integrated design methodology to shape how we will commune and interact with nature. Our visions are developed via novel typologies; systems thinking; and aesthetics.

The research aims for desiging for ageing buildings. It investigates material and formal conditions that promote biological growth in architecture. It responds to the urgency of our current climate crisis to improve biodiversity and the environmental quality of cities. The aim is to integrate growth systems directly on buildings facades in which algae, mosses and lichens can switch on and off their photosynthetic activity without the need for additional maintenance and mechanical irrigation.

In our present climate emergency, we must urgently protect ecosystems from further decline and reverse the degradation of Earth’s land, water, and air. As a term, bioremediation describes a platform whereby organic or non-organic contaminants in the environment may be degraded or sequestered by living organisms. The process may take place in situ within the built environment, or within soil or water.

Engineered living materials are an emerging class of biohybrid materials that offer novel functionalities through living components. These living agents act as ‘material factories’ that form or self assemble the material itself adapting the material performance and function.

Being able to regenerate waste products is an important aspect of creating a circular, intertwined biological loop. Our research looks to develop novel biomaterial composites from waste streams and organic binders. Through iterative testing, we can fine-tune biological, chemical, mechanical and degradable properties. From there we use advanced manufacturing processes to faciliate scalable material systems.

When considering landscape and garden design we depart from the interaction between plants, microbes and fungi and the substrates that surround and interact with them: soils, surfaces and furniture. We consider the ecological drivers of evolution under climate change and celebrate design strategies that encourage human interactions with multi-trophic forms of life.