Nature's Architects

Created by Museum of Architecture in partnership with Cadogan, the trail along Pavilion Road and Duke of York Square features 20 fascinating ‘micro homes’ positioned around doorsteps, tree forks, railings and planters. Structures are inspired by a different creature or plant - such as bears, frogs, spiders and birds - highlighting the many inspirations and innovations nature offers. Architects include: Gruff Architects with Bear, Frog, Weaver Bird and Humpback Whale. Nooma Studio with Coral Heights, Kingfisher Nests, Owl Barbules and Jellyfish Bells. Studio AKl with Razor Clam, Burdock Burr, Cactus and Octopus. Madeleine Kessler, Ness Lafoy and Rosie Hervey with Vata Weaven Den, Mossy Mound, Hedgehog House and Bat Boardwalk. Download a printable map, take part in online activities and tasks via a QR code found at each structure. Kate Neale, Head of Sustainability at Cadogan, said: “Nature’s Architects is a fascinating project that will hopefully inspire people of all ages to think a bit differently about nature, and what we can learn from plants and animals of all sizes. The natural world is incredibly adaptive and can inspire us with new ways to tackle many of the global challenges we face. The recent heatwave is a stark reminder of the real impacts of climate change, making it more important than ever that we embrace sustainable design like the kinds of progressive, pioneering architecture on display here.” Melissa Woolford, Founder and Director of Museum of Architecture, said: “Architects draw from nature to inform their designs. We wanted to show how their forward-thinking ideas and inventive material use can have a positive impact on our planet. I am really excited to see how each architect team has responded to the biomimicry brief. We hope the trail will inspire visitors to think differently about the natural and built environments and how by championing nature-based solutions we can better protect our planet’s biodiversity.” Madeleine Kessler, Founder of Madeleine Kessler Architecture, and creator of 4 structures for the trail said: “We are delighted to have been invited to participate in the Nature’s Architects trail. As we face a climate and biodiversity emergency, our installations - Foraged Fables - explore how we can learn from nature to creatively embed regenerative materials in design - those that use the restorative processes found in nature. Inspired by bats, mosses, magpies and hedgehogs, each fable becomes a testing ground, encouraging the public to use spaces along the route in new ways, whilst also creating miniature worlds inspired by biomimicry.” What is biomimicry? Biomimicry is the emulation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems, including fashion, industrial design and architecture. The term was popularised by scientist Janine Benyus in 1997, catalysing an emerging discipline that emulates nature’s ingenuity for a healthier, more sustainable planet. Museum of Architecture: Museum of Architecture is a charity dedicated to finding new ways for the public to engage with architecture and to encourage entrepreneurship within architectural practice. MoA provides opportunities for architects to collaborate with other industries and communities to be better informed about the places and people for which they are designing. www.museumofarchitecture.org Cadogan: Cadogan is a family business, property manager, investor and developer – with a 300-year history that informs its dynamic estate management approach today. As proud custodians of over 90 acres of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, their long-term stewardship aims to enrich the area’s unique character, while safeguarding its future vitality. www.cadogan.co.uk