Aligned with the course’s structure and activities, students will develop specific competencies in the morphological-functional interpretation of living systems, the identification of relevant biological models for design, and experimentation with bio-inspired design concepts.
Particular focus will be placed on understanding how habitat influences form generation and on transferring these principles into sustainable, innovative concepts. Students will also build autonomy in visual research and effectively communicate their design processes through sketches and diagrams.
There are no mandatory prerequisites. However, attending the Biodesign course in the Bachelor's programme and possessing basic knowledge of general biology is recommended, as well as an interest in natural systems, morphological structures, and functional aesthetics. The course is open to students from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND TEACHING ACTIVITIES
- Lectures (including seminars with guest experts): 48 hours
- Laboratory work and field trip: 12 hours
- Practical activities: 12 hours
- Other: as applicable
The final evaluation will consist of:
- A short oral discussion of theoretical topics covered in the course
- Presentation of the student’s individual concept
- Submission of a visual research sketchbook
Exam duration: approximately 30–40 minutes
Assessment criteria:
- Quality of research and coherence of the concept
- Understanding of biological models
- Clarity in visual and verbal communication
- All teaching materials will be provided by the professor and will include:
- Lecture slides and visual aids
- Selected scientific articles, essays, and case studies on biomimetics and bio-inspired design
- Morphological atlases, texts on natural aesthetics, and systemic design approaches
The course Biological Forms for Design explores aesthetic, structural, and functional strategies of selected biological systems—particularly insects, plants, fungi, and microorganisms—as sources of inspiration for advanced design practices.
The course focuses on micro- and meso-scale biological morphologies, their ecological roles, and the translation of natural principles into visual and conceptual design solutions. Morphologies are analyzed in the context of habitat, to understand ecological roles and potential adaptations across spatial and temporal scales.
Planned activities include lectures, visual analysis sessions, thematic seminars, and introductory data analysis. Students, individually or in small groups, will develop a personal visual research project documented in a design sketchbook, leading to the creation of a bio-inspired concept.
An in-depth treatment of a topic will be provided, in accordance with the needs of the students.
