Inquiry Into Biomaterial Architectures

Contemporary projects and ideas are emerging in the field of architecture that move away from traditional unsustainable building materials and that embrace design, fabrication, and circular economy strategies through biomaterial architectures. In this seminar, students will review their potential through interdisciplinary readings, hands-on fabrication, physical sample exploration, guest lectures, and select case studies. The course is structured to foster fundamental scientific literacy, cross-disciplinary thinking, creativity, and innovation in biomaterials in design. In the Spring version of this course, students will propose new biomaterial systems through a grant-like guided research project with special attention to functional, industrial, environmental, and aesthetic dimensions. It also partners with the BioDesignChallenge to provide opportunities of project growth and mentorship after the semester ends. This course welcomes students from all Penn disciplines and is particularly useful to students with interests in green product design, bio-design, bio-fabrication, as well as students in the MIPD, MSD-RAS, MSD-EBD, and the 7000-level M.Arch programs.