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Abstract

This experimental design study explores forms of adaptive architecture that reflect the symbiotic connection between humans and nature. Responding to the growing ecological between human and nature, this paper speculates how architecture can be an entity that coexists and co-evolves with nature. Instead of positioning architecture as a static entity, this symbiotic architecture introduces the conceptual figure of Homo botanicus as human species that grows and regenerates nature as its imperative, initiating the era of Mothering Nature. The study starts by investigating the adaptive strategy of plants that grow symbiotically within their natural biomes. The biological growth mechanism of plants across three biomes—tropical, savannah, and coastal wetland—was examined, mapped, and translated into computational scripts. Such scripts serve as the basis of H. botanicus' living world: Verdantia, Aridstepia, and Aqualandis, exhibiting a close intertwine between species and their living system. The design envisions an architecture as a symbiont that regenerates nature together with its natural ecosystem. This study demonstrates the understanding of architecture not as exploitative but co-evolving, growing with nature's innate logic and contributing to its ecological resilience.

First Page

32

Last Page

53

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Author Biography

Heidy Sekardini
Heidy Sekardini holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture from Universitas Indonesia. Her interest and work focus on the intersection of architecture, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Her current research explores biomimetic green building, computational design, and digital fabrication through multidisciplinary collaborations. With a keen interest in experimental approaches, she integrates architectural solutions with ecological and social contexts, creating thoughtful and impactful designs.

Rini Suryantini
Rini Suryantini has been a lecturer at the Department of Architecture, Universitas Indonesia, since 2011 and also works as a managing editor of the ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement. She obtained her bachelor's and doctoral degrees in Architecture from Universitas Indonesia. She holds an MSc in Regional Science from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Her research interests are domestic practices related to ecological architecture and the environment, especially in a vernacular context. She also works on community engagement projects with various communities, from public institutions to urban moms, river communities, and school communities, in search of a more sustainable environment.

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