The global scale of destabilization of environments and
rhythms calls for an urgent transformation of our strategies, also in architecture and building. Biology is the only other
model we have to shape another future towards a more integrated world. The symposium “Cultivating Matter. Is the future alive?”
serves as a platform for presenting and discussing approaches as well as case studies in architecture and design, that explore
learnings from biology and the integration of organisms in materials and structures. Aliveness is based on processes that
require stable patterns of flow of energy and matter, resilient and adaptable to changes. Cultivation is the design of an
environment of existence, growth and stability for other living systems. Adopting aliveness in architecture implies long-term
strategies of design and care, by developing new patterns of circularity and living together.
PROGRAMMEThursday, November 20, 2025Welcome Address: Ulrike Kuch, Rector of the University of Applied
Arts Vienna.
Introduction: Petra Gruber, Institute of Architecture, University of Applied Arts Vienna
Keynote “Renewing
Nature: Enacting Biodesign to Restore Ecosystems” by Carole Collet.
Sessions: Design with organisms, Bio-inspiration,
Artistic approaches, Poster and Protoype presentations in the main Atrium.
Friday, November 21, 2025Keynote “Design Against Extinction” by Mitchell Joachim.
Sessions: Prototyping/ Fabrication, Bioreceptivity, Critical
reflection.
Closing words: Camille Breuil, Institute of Architecture, University of Applied Arts Vienna
Conference
AgendaDuring the event, an exhibition of the ROOTARCH research project will be on display in the main atrium
(ROOTARCH by Petra Gruber, Camille Breuil, Clemens Preisinger, Damjan Minovski, Andreas Körner, Rebekka Waters, Dominik Einfalt
—funded by INTRA 2024). Please find the conference agenda
here.
More information on the website of the
Department
for Building Construction
