Phyta Biodesign: Architecture as Ecological Infrastructure

Phyta Biodesign, a company based in London and established by Zain Ansari, focuses on creating architectural systems that incorporate habitats for various species such as birds and insects into urban settings. A graduate of the Bartlett School of Architecture, Ansari utilizes a three-phase approach: Map, Bank, and Track. This involves evaluating ecological conditions, developing 'habitat banks' tailored to specific species, and overseeing habitat performance after installation. Their innovative designs, which include habitats for bees and birds, feature computational design techniques that produce wave-like forms for effective rainwater management. Engaging the community through citizen science initiatives and partnering with industry for scalability, they advocate for integrating biodiversity into architectural standards while investigating urban waterways for habitat opportunities. The interview was conducted by journalist Ludovica Proietti.