Architectural Multispecies Building Design: Concepts, Challenges, and Design Process

Yasha J. Grobman (), Wolfgang Weisser, Assaf Shwartz, Ferdinand Ludwig, Roy Kozlovsky, Avigail Ferdman, Katia Perini, Thomas E. Hauck, Surayyn Uthaya Selvan, Soultana (Tanya) Saroglou, Shany Barath, Michael Schloter and Laura Windorfer
Additional contact information
Yasha J. Grobman: Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Wolfgang Weisser: School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
Assaf Shwartz: Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Ferdinand Ludwig: School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
Roy Kozlovsky: School of Architecture, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Avigail Ferdman: The Department of Humanities and Arts, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Katia Perini: Department of Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
Thomas E. Hauck: Institute of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Surayyn Uthaya Selvan: Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Soultana (Tanya) Saroglou: Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Shany Barath: Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
Michael Schloter: School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
Laura Windorfer: School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-29

Abstract: This perspective paper explores the concept of multispecies design in architecture, focusing on the building scale. Historically, architects have prioritized human needs, neglecting nature’s integration in urban settings, leading to environmental and social challenges. To address these issues, a new multispecies approach that promotes the integration of ecological knowledge into architectural design has evolved. This paper aims to map existing concepts, challenges, and gaps in this novel multispecies approach, focusing on the building scale design process and suggests a roadmap for its implementation. This paper analyzes the existing literature and current architectural practices. This analysis is complemented by the findings from an architectural design studio that have highlighted real-world challenges not readily apparent in the literature. By promoting a multispecies architectural paradigm, this research not only underscores a transformative approach to building design but also positions multispecies design as an essential strategy in combatting the challenges of declining biodiversity and escalating climate change.

Keywords: multispecies design; building envelope; architecture and ecology; sustainability; nature-based solutions; architectural design process; non-anthropocentric design; greenery systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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