3 QUESTIONS TO
Where do you draw inspiration from nature?
I find inspiration in the genius loci – the natural environment that surrounds our projects and the cultural landscapes, in forests, moors and herb gardens. I’m fascinated by the wealth of variety in nature; I turn my focus on endangered species like bees, butterflies and glowworms, and marvel at their survival skills. The impressions I take away are then incorporated into my construction projects, including DAS KLEINOD [Jewel] in Munich Riem and FVTVRIA, a local project in Garching, where we are creating biophilic habitats for all – flora, fauna and humans alike.
What can we learn in general from nature?
Nature is our finest teacher of holistic and regenerative design. Sustainability, circular economy, simplicity and authenticity are all things we can learn from nature. For me, that means paying attention to ecology, health, art and social aspects in my planning. More than a house to live in, a habitat needs to be a habitArt, taking nature as a template and based on an overarching socio-ecological concept. Like DAS KLEINOD, our integrated living project in the Riem district of Munich. It has apartments for families, singles and couples in lush natural surroundings that encourages residents to explore, experience and take care of them.
More than a house to live in, a habitat needs to be a habitArt...
If we really want to learn from nature, do we need to change?
From my perspective as a woman and an urban planner, I believe it’s time to expand our perspectives and focus on the constantly changing natural environment, to understand buildings as adaptable organisms. A building needs to enter a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings and its inhabitants, take different lived realities into consideration and develop sustainable concepts for a future-facing way of life. Our pilot project for Building E in Mooritz adopts this innovative approach, which not only aims to transform the construction industry but also, and primarily, seeks to conserve resources.