A r c h i t e c t u r e · CUH K · F A L L l e c t u r e
Susannah dickinson
Architecture’s Biological Analogies
Thursday 7.11.2013
Anthony Vidler in his essay ‘Architecture’s Expanded Field’ of 2008 wrote that biological analogies
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were one of the four dominant emerging principles of contemporary design. He anticipated that
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these new expanded boundaries for the profession could help to create a truly ecological aesthetic
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for the first time.
In this talk the author has chosen to equate biological analogies with the term biomimetics. The
Centre for Biomimetics at the University of Reading, UK defines biomimetics as “the abstraction of
good design from nature.” It is not about mimicry or the simple observation of nature, but more
about an investigation into its systems and processes and how these can help us move forward
with our societal and environmental concerns. The need for computation to study and model this
complexity is paramount.
Susannah Dickinson is an architect and Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona. Her work
explores the relationship that computational design and fabrication processes can have in the development of more ecologically responsive environments. This interest stems from a background
largely gained through years of professional experience in the offices of Frank O. Gehry, Los Angeles
and SHoP Architects, New York. She is currently one of the officers and is on the board of directors
of ACADIA (Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture).