Videre: Drawing and Evolutionary Architectures

Abstract

Analysing the works of the seascape architect Wolf Hilbertz (1938 -2007), coral scientist Dr Thomas Goreau, architect Newton Fallis and collective, the paper considers the development of ‘self organizing’ natural building materials developing a mode of working - Cybertecture (Cybernetics & Architecture) (Hilbertz 1970). This investigation focuses particularly on that of Biorock® the mineral accretion technology, and involves a process of creating artificial coral reefs which are stronger and more resilient to degrading factors found on natural reefs. The technology exemplifies an evolutionary environmental system, a coral which is more reliant, tradable, multiplies in growth three to five times faster than normal, protects coastline, and grows fish populations through its constantly evolving habitat (Hilbertz, Goreau 1970, 1992, 2008). Importantly the technology has wide implications for restoring, designing and managing fragile and threatened coral ecosystems thus creating an emerging field of Seascape Architecture (Goreau, Hilbertz 2005).