Architecture frequently looks to the natural world for concepts, metaphors and analogies
for the generation of form. This relationship between architecture and nature generally
reaches only the superficial level, resulting in a normative architectural system “dressed
up” with a biomorphic skin. The new science of emergence demands that architecture take the biological paradigm to a much more complex level, simultaneously considering
the components of environment, behavior, form, structure and materiality to achieve complete integration. Specific biological precedents also exist within each of these components, providing the opportunity for multiple layers of biological influence.
Advances in analytical computation provide the means to achieve this complex
organization of multiple mutually-dependent parts. This project will produce a bridge
design based on the biological paradigm, exploiting the bridge’s natural connection with
the environment. The bridge will become an artery of the city; a metabolic life-source
that generates energy for itself and the system it belongs to. The bridge’s form,
structure and materiality will be dependent upon this metabolic behavior and
environmental relationship, moving toward complete biomimic integration.
