Biological Systems: Outcomes in Architectural Design Studios

This conference paper is the second of two papers that discuss the outcomes of a long‐term pedagogical research project into the integration of interdisciplinary design‐research, and making practices into the content of second‐year architecture studios. This paper focuses on one studio involved in the design of biological systems. The studio introduced students to the socio‐cultural and bioethical dilemmas that arise when using living organisms as a design material. Students were required to create a biological system using traditional design materials and Physarum Polycephalum, a harmless, yellow single‐celled organism capable of solving complex mazes and which grows up to 30cm in length. Through the design, prototyping, and testing of these systems students are encouraged to learn through practice, developing their projects iteratively while being critical of the implications of their actions. Through a discussion of the studio aims, structure, project examples, and outcomes, this paper outlines an initial approach to teaching biological design within a studio context. Along with the paper on Responsive Systems these works highlight the importance of critical engagement with materials and processes and of opening up future architectural pedagogy to new fields of exploration.