Digital interpretation of the botanical heritage through biodesign

Abstract

The paper presents two digital studies through the study of botanical heritage and plant morphology as inspiration for biodesign. The goal was to create conceptual urban 3D models as potential tools for solving climate challenges faced by selected cities, as well as for raising awareness of botanical heritage. For the first study carried out for the city of Nairobi from Kenya, the inspiration for biodesign was the species Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. This plant species is recognized as a symbol of the battle for the environment in Kenya. The inspiration for the second conceptual model of biodesign was the protected sycamore (Platanus x acerifolia (Aiton) Willd.) in Topčider Park in Belgrade (Serbia). As a natural monument of botanical character, this plane tree is about 200 years old. The same methodology was applied in both studies, which included field research, identification of the desired morphological pattern of plants, and digital modeling and visualization using appropriate digital (computer) tools. Two conceptual solutions are presented as the results of this research.

Keywords

• botanical heritage
• digital modeling
• biodesign
• spathodea campanulata p. beauv.
• platanus x acerifolia (aiton) willd