Historically architecture has likened the city as an organism and looked to nature for design inspiration. Until recently the tools that have enabled architects to engage with what R. Buckminster Fuller called the ‘drivers of biology’, have not been available and architects use biological systems in a symbolic way called biological ‘formalism’ where aesthetics are prioritized over function. Recent developments in Synthetic Biology, which were demonstrated at Artificial Life XI suggested it was possible to design and engineer materials that meet the requirements necessary for a new generation of smart materials.

1. Synthetic Biology & Architecture AVATAR group The Bartlett School of Architecture University College London

12. Bryopsis plumosa

17. Physarum polycephalum

24. Bioluminescence

27. Protocell

35. Casa Diatom

39. Reclaiming Venice