ABSTRACT
Behavior, adaptation, and responsiveness are characteristics of live organisms; architecture, on the other hand, is structurally, materially, and functionally constructed. Natural systems use adaptation to adjust to and compensate for the constantly changing environment that surrounds them. There is a constant exchange of matter, energy, and information through their productive relationship with the environment. Adaptation and responsiveness of the constructed environment, however, are not easily achieved. The challenge stems in part from the way we build and the hierarchical, top-down nature of the design and construction process. Nevertheless, we increasingly expect buildings not only to house and facilitate various modes of human activity but also to adapt to, behave, respond to, and accommodate the flow of energy and information. This chapter will discuss concepts, ideas and projects are envisioning buildings as productive participants within the larger ecology by emphasizing their adaptability and responsiveness.
