These organisms, known as Venusmandje, have evolved gorgeous fiber-optic lattice structures that function as a pseudo-nervous system.

The fact that the organism is constructed of such a fragile material, silica, yet survives deep ocean currents and insane pressures intrigues me.

Within these structures are secrets of form; and unlocking them will allow us to push the boundaries of architecture; and perhaps accelerate its progress by decades.

An organic alternating rhythm of X & O forms the primary structure of these glass sponges; and this morphology is a lattice structure based fundamentally on a truss system. Interestingly enough, and despite the great pressures and stresses placed upon these beings in the deep ocean, they rebel against these aforementioned variables to create something that is meaningfully unique.

Meaningful x Unique = Novel

The sponges also utilize light to send signals internally, as a sort of pseudo-nervous system - and incorporating this concept into a glass building, with fiber-optic cables integrated directly into a growing structure, will allow us to create buildings that are perhaps alive.

Utilizing biomimicry to take inspiration from these forms will also allow us to build robust structures with minimal use of resources, reducing weight and increasing material efficiency of buildings. Great.

Imagine this… AS A BUILDING

What’s quite attractive to me is that the structures progressively get larger from the base to the top. Accomplished architecturally, this would allow for more colloquial traffic below, foliage, or perhaps recreational spaces around the base of the building.

Not only this, but as adjacent buildings will be closer together at the top, they could be physically merged via skybridge to create massive, social superstructures.