From Ecology to Architectural Design: A Framework for Translation of Ecological Principles

Abstract

This paper is part of an on-going research study in the field of architectural design that is attempting to bridge the gap between ecology and design of the architectural environment. The study of architecture and ecology together is a way to approach the built environment as a more dynamic system that responds to the needs of the inhabitant. It is positioned in such a way that by studying the organization of successful ecological processes of natural organized systems, an innovative set of design principles can be implemented successfully in the practice of architectural design. This report will begin by analyzing the natural processes that are a part of ecosystems and then, with architecture as the vehicle, explore if it is possible to create a new model that will shift the paradigm toward a more dynamic and responsive built environment. Through a comparative literature study and compiling, reviewing, and analyzing ecological principles, the research results have report has been broken down in to six principles. These principles will be used as a framework for understanding how ecology can be abstracted as a design methodology. This research report shows how this innovative model will allow the architectural profession to go beyond sustaining current practices and encourage natural ecological processes as a vital component in built environment.