From leaves to liquids, caves to crystal formations, nature has always been a major source of inspiration for architects. This book examines how nature can act as a precedent for design solutions through twelve case studies. Packed with computer drawings, sketches, models, and photographs, this will be an ideal resource of ideas for students in their studio work, as well as for practicing architects.

When searching for genuinely sustainable building design and technology - designs that go beyond conventional sustainability to be truly restorative - we often find that nature got there first. Over 3.5 billion years of natural history have evolved innumerable examples of forms, systems, and processes that can be applied to modern green design. For architects, urban designers and product designers, this new edition of Biomimicry in Architecture looks to the natural world to achieve radical increases in resource efficiency. Packed with case studies predicting future trends, this edition also contains updated and expanded chapters on structures, materials, waste, water, thermal control and energy, as well as an all-new chapter on light. An amazing sourcebook of extraordinary design solutions, Biomimicry in Architecture is a must-read for anyone preparing for the challenges of building a sustainable and restorative future.

Deployable structures can expand and contract due to their geometrical, material and mechanical properties – offering the potential to create truly transforming environments. This book looks at the cutting edge of the subject, examining the different types of deployable structures and numerous design approaches. Filled with photographs, models, drawings and diagrams, Deployable Structures is packed with inspirational ideas for architecture students and practitioners.

Always received with a mix of fascination and awe, blob architecture is conquering the metropolises of the world. With their futuristic look - softly rounded at times, boldly curved at others - the buildings stand out from the bulk of urban structures. Whether a classic computer-generated blob, an experiment with new mould-breaking shapes, or in combination with de-constructive elements - the applied cutting-edge technologies and materials are fertile grounds for unlimited creativity. Blob ! Round Shapes, Fluid Forms presents the best contemporary projects from around the world, giving a comprehensive overview of current developments. The projects that were carefully selected for this book are as unique as they are versatile and vivid proof that the fascination of the blob remains as strong as ever.

Presenting the state-of-the-art in sustainable retrofits in post war residential towers, this book captures and re-informs the current intense refurbishing process that is taking place in Britain, which is part of a global phenomenon happening all over the world, as cities upgrade their building stock in an attempt to comply with governmental emission reduction targets. The authors present inspections of 20 sustainably retrofitted social housing towers, analysing their aesthetic and technical modifications, as well as the shifts occurring in their social structure. The authors use over 200 full colour plans, elevations, photographs, maps and illustrations to beautifully support the statistical and analytical information collected. Finally they include interviews with some of the architects who designed the retrofits, residents and key stakeholders to inform the conclusions.

Generating form is one of the most fundamental aspects of architectural education and practice. While new computational tools are enabling ever more unpredictable forms, critics argue that this leads to a disconnection between architectural output and its context. This attractive, pocket-sized book uses 11 different architectural projects to explore how generative design processes can integrate digital as well as physical design tools and techniques to produce innovative forms that cohere with structural and material principles, performance and context. Illustrated with drawings, computer images and models, this stimulating, accessible handbook of ideas provides a guide for students as well as an inspiration for practising architects.

Describes the structure and mechanics of a wide range of cellular materials in botany, zoology, and medicine.