What is the architect doing in the jungle? How can architects and natural scientists immerse themselves in a fruitful dialogue to generate new insights for cross-disciplinary innovation? This volume contributes to the current discussion of arts-based research with the interdisciplinary research project BiornaMetics - Architecture Defined By Natural Patterns. Biornametics is an emerging contemporary design practice which explores a new methodology that interconnects scientific evidence with creative design in the field of architecture. The word biornametics is generated from "ornament", referring to the famous Austrian architect Adolf Loos, and biomimetics. It concentrates on the detection of the principles behind processes of emerging and dissolving patterns in animate and inanimate nature. Reflections on the architectural direction of Biornametics, issues of arts and science collaboration, and the application of the methodology show a diverse world of thoughts and approaches to the topic.

The theory of Co-Corporeality is based on a conception of the built environment as a biological entity that opens up a space for coexistence and interaction between humans and microbial life. Based on design-led research, this book explores how we can develop environments for a multispecies world. It focuses on the agency of both human and nonhuman actors. New sensor tools enable observation of and interaction between these different actors. Co-Corporeality links microbiology to material science, artificial intelligence, and architecture. The focus is on how microbial activity can create new protoarchitectural materials, how living systems can be integrated into architecture and cooperate along different time scales.

Built to Grow investigates patterns of growth and dynamics in nature with the aim of creating a new "living architecture" that can be applied to architectonic designs. It examines biological processes to identify basic principles of growth and translate them into exemplary architectonic ideas and visions. The project brings together experts from the fields of architecture, biology, art, mechatronics, and robotics.