Designing Multispecies Habitats for Symbiosis and Coexistence in the Built Environment
Introduction
Urbanization and industrial expansion accelerate pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This thesis reimagines architecture as a dynamic, living system that fosters biodiversity, promotes multispecies coexistence—from microorganisms to humans—and mitigates environmental damage.
Methodology
The research follows a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, spatial and environmental analysis, and computational experiments. An actor-based spatial strategy maps human and non-human interactions, informing the design process.
To promote moss colonization, the structure’s form creates self-shaded, humid microclimates. Ladybug analysis optimizes the geometry, reducing solar exposure to enhance bioreceptivity. Karamba and Galapagos simulations optimize the structure by reducing roof displacement and improving stability through strategic support placement. The structure is shaped using an inflatable balloon mold, reinforced with steel and bioreceptive geopolymer—a sustainable material with high strength and microbial colonization potential.
