Bonifacio, John Paulo D.

May 11, 2019

Theory of Architecture – Section 10

Final Assessment Reflection and Summary

Biotecture: The Integration of Biology and Architecture

Life is an art of coexisting. With the title itself, I became very curious as to how biology
can be incorporated in architecture. I was afraid that the reading would be too farfetched
thinking that we can put life, literally, in architecture. But after reading it, I realized that it is
somehow feasible. We might live on a ‘living’ structure if we can somehow make relevant
breakthroughs. Biotecture is a promising idea. I hope that in the future we would be able to
convert it into reality.

The article starts by discussing how ecosystems work. These ecosystems are the
backbones of life on planet for me. A slight imbalance would cause a cascade of failures that
could result to devastating events. It this part if the reading, the greenhouse effect was
elaborated. Many might think that the greenhouse effect is bad, but in reality, it is not. We
should actually be thankful for it. It is what makes the earth habitable. It is just that
anthropogenic influences boost this process and disrupts it. After this, the article talks about
the role of intelligence in human history that leads to today’s progress and technology. It is
written that for the past 15,000 years, we managed to create scientific breakthroughs. These
breakthroughs enabled us to have a higher chance of survival by making life easier for us.
But, just like any other action in this world, there are consequences or feedbacks alongside
these helpful discoveries. If not used properly, as said in the article, it could only be beneficial
for the users and not for the environment. The way we change our lives also change the life
around us. I realized that we should be responsible with the use of technology so that we can
make the world a habitable place for all life.

In the latter part of the first page, the article talked about sustainability. To be honest,
I always try to incorporate this in my designs as an architecture student even though I have
not fully grasp what it is all about. With this reading, I had a better understanding of the word
sustainability. Before, I thought that sustainable architecture is only about providing
resources that would benefit the inhabitants themselves. I forgot to consider the life around
them. This article emphasizes the importance of co-existing with other life forms and gain
benefit from one another. I like the idea of bio-mimesis. This is the first time I heard this
word. At first, I thought it is the same as bio-mimicry, but it is not. What makes it different is
that we imitate not only the structure but also the system of how other creatures live and
adapt to their ever-changing environment.

In the second page, finally, the reading discussed a deeper definition of how we can
incorporate biology in architecture. Particularly, I loved the comparison presented by the
quote of Freeman Dyson. It showed how us humans, with all the discoveries we made, are
still a step behind at nature. What separates us from it is money. Biotechnology is extremely
useful and, at the same time, dangerous., as said in the reading. With proper use, based on
the given Fire Beetle example, it could save lives. In a bigger picture, we can use these
features of certain species to mimic the way they live. Now, if we apply biotechnology in
architecture, or biotecture as the article suggests, we can make civilization more sustainable.
What is surprising for me is that, as I read the article, if we are to pursue biotecture, we are
not designing buildings but rather species. As a result, I agree that architecture would be
different. They would be doctors in some extent now that there is life in their designs. As the
article said, it sounds like fiction, but it could soon be reality. What I find hard to believe to
be feasible is the idea of growing spaces because it would require a lot of time before we can
habituate them.

On the latter part of the article, the author discussed concrete examples of biotecture.
This really fed my interest because of how the author used biotechnology is many ways from
landscapes to floating cities. In this part of the reading, I really activated my imagination. I
made concepts myself as I read through the article. Hopefully, in the future, these types of
concepts would be feasible so that I can pursue biotecture as well.

Lastly, the article talked about the downside of the use of biotechnology. As said
earlier, it is extremely dangerous. If it can save lives, then it could also take lives. Also, it is
great how this article vaguely exposed how profitable this is and how it can be of interest of
greedy people. Biotecture could change the way of our life, but change could either be good
or bad.

Overall, the article is very interesting. Indistinctly, this article can make you
environmentally conscious. As a citizen of earth, the ideas in this reading brought me closer
to nature. When designing, I would consider not only the life of the residents but also the life
around it. This article inspired me. As an aspiring architect, I believe that we should make
this world a better and healthier place one house at a time.