Nature & Design

One of the most impressive structures within nature is the spider’s web with its strength and durability within such a small structure. Although thin and delicate, spider webs can withstand extreme force and weight. It is said that spider silk is 5 times stronger than steel and that if human-size, it would be tough enough…

Beaver dams are one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world. The dams have been studied by scientists for their ecological benefits, but their influence extends far beyond the natural world and into the realm of architecture. In this blog post, we will explore the history of beaver dams and how they have…

The global issue of climate change affects us all. As architects we face many challenges however this may be the most significant one, how do we mitigate its impact on our communities? Sustainable communities are a great way to do this and there have been many popping up around the UK. In this blog, I…

Termites may be considered a pest, but they have inspired architects for decades. Architects and builders have taken notice of the ventilation system in termite mounds in particular, and it has even been the inspiration for models of contemporary building design. In this blog, I will talk about how these ventilation systems have been used…

Roman and Greek architecture both emphasised symmetry in their planning and execution of buildings. Symmetry was one of the primary components utilised to achieve this, which was important because both the Romans and the Greeks placed considerable weight on order, balance, and harmony in their architectural designs. In Greek architecture, symmetry was often achieved through…

Traditional Japanese architecture has a strong heritage of integrating architecture and nature, which frequently has an impact on all design decisions. Japanese architectural designers have long attempted to blend the inside and outside of a structure with the surrounding environment. The use of conventional materials like wood, bamboo, and paper, which are all sourced from…

Biomimicry is the method of taking inspiration from nature to solve human challenges by implementing the strategies of nature. Architects can design more efficient and sustainable buildings that resemble the natural world by taking into account natural systems and processes. The mimicry can be seen at three levels i.e. at that of the organism, its…

The field of architecture is evolving rapidly due to climate change. The design and building sector is responsible for 40% of the annual CO2 emissions. (Conrad, n.d.) This is very concerning since, on the surface it appears that the architectural community is refusing to take responsibility for their actions. Nevertheless, there have been a few…

The natural environment, in particular, natural geometry, is one of the many sources from which architects find inspiration. Natural patterns and structures, like the spirals of seashells or the branching patterns of trees, are defined by natural geometry. (Geometry in Nature, 2022) Ancient civilizations were already using natural geometry in architecture. For instance, the pyramids…

Architecture has been affected by a number of things, including nature, technology, culture, and religion. Throughout history, architects have drawn inspiration from nature in particular. flowers are among the most popular sources of natural inspiration for architects. Flowers have had a wide range of architectural influences, from the general style of buildings to the smallest…