Soft Living Architecture

<i>Soft Living Architecture</i><b></b>explores<b></b>the invention of new architectures based on living processes. It <b></b>crafts a unique intersection between two fast-developing disciplines: biomimicry and biodesign in architecture and bioinformatics and natural computing in the natural sciences.<br/><br/>This is the first book to examine both the theory and methodology of architecture and design working directly with the natural world. It explores a range of approaches from the use of life-like systems in building design to the employment of actual growing and living cell and tissue cultures as architectural materials - creating architecture that can change learn and grow with us. The use of 'living architecture' is cutting-edge and speculative yet it is also inspiring a growing number of designers worldwide to adopt alternative perspectives on sustainability and environmental design. The book examines the ethical and theoretical issues arising alongside case-studies of experimental practice to explore what we mean by 'natural' in the Anthropocene and raise deep questions about the nature of design and the design of nature. <br/><br/>This provocative and at times controversial book shows why it will become ever more necessary to embrace living processes in architecture if we are to thrive in a sustainable future.