Plants and architecture: two seemingly opposite elements. How can we combine them to plan future cities that are closer to nature? What synergies can we explore? Hortitecture seeks to discover the creative and construction potentials of vital plant material, and explores its applications in ecosystem services and urban food production. Through research at the intersections of architecture, biology, and technology, IDAS (Institute for Design and Architectural Strategies) explores this topic with the aim of transferring the knowledge gained to the design of buildings. This book documents the projects, ideas, and experiences shared by thirty-three international experts at symposia held at TU Braunschweig. Their critical reflections advance the awareness and expertise needed to develop a nature-based urban architecture.

With contributions by Stefano Boeri, Thomas Corbasson, Richard Hassell and Wong Mun Summ, Christoph Ingenhoven, Vo Trong Nghia, Elisabeth Kather, Klaus K. Loenhart, Ferdinand Ludwig and Daniel Schönle, Fuensanta Nieto, Chris Precht, Jacob van Rijs, Tomás Saraceno, Diana Scherer, Dan Wood, Ken Yeang, and others