Inclusion instead of exclusion: So far, Architecture and design keen to create habitats that are perfectly tailored to human needs. For other organisms, stone and concrete served as insurmountable barriers that excluded them from urban areas in particular. The consequences are particularly devastating for microorganisms such as insects. According to a report by the University of Sydney, which brings together research results from different continents, the population of 41 percent of all insect species is declining. A third of all species are even threatened with extinction. According to estimates by the researchers from Sydney, the total biomass of insects is decreasing by 2,5 percent annually.
But what if we took a different architectural approach? Interspecies design could be a solution. It is based on the realization that we as humans are part of a complex ecological system and that our well-being is closely linked to the well-being of other species. Interspecies design takes into account not only the needs of humans, but also of animals, plants and other organisms. The aim is to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions that offer benefits for all living beings and enable coexistence. Because the preservation of biodiversity is not just a matter for conservationists. It has become a social necessity to which we all must contribute. If humanity wants to have a future worth living, it is necessary to Habitats to be adapted to include other species.
Source & Copyright by Blast Studio
What benefits does interspecies design offer?
Interspecies design takes a holistic approach that takes into account not only the wishes of humans but also the needs of other living beings. The following advantages arise from this non-human-centered design:
- Improving biodiversity: By meeting the needs of other living beings, interspecies design helps protect and preserve their habitats and ecosystems. This can help reduce species extinction and preserve biodiversity.
- connection to nature: Studies have shown that close contact with nature and other living beings can have positive effects on our mental and physical health. Interspecies design can help strengthen this connection and thus create an environment in which we as humans feel comfortable and exist side by side with other living beings.
- Resilient systems: Diversified and healthy ecosystems are more resilient to the effects of climate changeBy including different species, habitats can be created that are better able to adapt to changing climatic conditions and mitigate extreme weather events.
Interspecies design is therefore an essential component of a sustainable way of life as it helps to minimize the impact of human activities on the environment and protect biodiversity.
What are some examples of interspecies design?
Interspecies design encompasses innovative approaches that promote the coexistence of different species and improve their habitats. From biotechnologically produced materials to integrative infrastructures in cities, the following examples show how design can help support sustainable coexistence between humans and nature:
1. Mushrooms as a basis for architecture
Mycelium is a innovative material, which is obtained from mushrooms in a biotechnological process. It has the advantage of being durable and easy to shape. This makes it ideal for processing with a 3D printer. The innovative London design studio Blast Studio works with 3D printing techniques that make it possible to create artefacts that can be designed on both the microscopic and macroscopic scales. The folds and gaps in the designs are optimized to suit the preferences of mushrooms. They provide darkness and moisture so that the mushrooms can thrive optimally on the surface. At the same time, the objects also meet the optical and practical requirements of us humans.
Source & Copyright by Blast Studio
2. Concrete for more life in the sea
To encourage the settlement of marine life In order to promote the use of concrete components in coastal infrastructure such as breakwaters, bridge piers or port fortifications, the company Econcrete has developed a new manufacturing method for concrete components. A chemically modified additive is used in the manufacturing process, which creates porous, relief-like surface structures on which oysters or corals can settle more easily. This not only provides the sea creatures with a habitat suitable for their species, but their settlement also creates a protective layer on the concrete, which strengthens it and makes it more durable.
Source & Copyright by Econcrete
3. Innovative glass against bird strikes
French design students Mathieu Andries and Mathis Morin have developed a concept that could save the lives of millions of birds that die every year from collisions with building windows in cities. The design, invisible to the human eye, could be a solution to the many glass windows in urban spaces Calcite minerals are incorporated into the windows, which have the property of being translucent but fluoresce when they absorb UV light, thus warning the birds of obstacles.
Source & Copyright by Mathieu Andries & Mathis Morin
4. Bricks for bees
The British company Green&Blue has developed special bee bricks. The innovative blocks simply replace a conventional brick in the wall. They offer solitary bees a nesting place by deliberately creating niches and cracks in which the insects can settle. The innovative bricks are intended to counteract the decline of Bee population in Great Britain by creating new living space.
Source & Copyright by Green&Blue
5. Green buildings for the urban climate
At the University of Virginia, researchers have developed a method to generate green walls and other objects using 3D printing from a mixture of plant seeds and soil. The prototypes use "soil ink", a mixture of local soil, seeds and water. Over time, the plants begin to sprout, so that the surfaces are covered in greenery. This technology offers the potential to green architecture in the city and thus urban climate According to UVA, it could also serve as natural insulation for houses when used on side walls and roofs.
Source & Copyright by E. Baharlou | University of Virginia
Conclusion: Interspecies Design ensures a healthy balance
Non-human-centered design offers the opportunity to fundamentally change our relationship with nature and other living beings. By taking the needs of other species into account in design processes, more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions can be found that benefit everyone. Interspecies design offers numerous advantages for a environmentally conscious living, such as protecting biodiversity, strengthening our connection with nature and resilience to climate change. It has the potential to be a transformative force and restore the balanced relationship between humans and nature.
