Sustainable Architecture: Learning from Nature & The Magic of Symbiosis

Those who are inspired by a model other than Nature, a mistress above all masters, are laboring in vain—Leonardo daVinci

Those of you who follow this blog know that I’m a science fiction author. The alien race in my book “Collision with Paradise” live 100% sustainably in a cooperative and synergistic partnership with their environment, including intelligent organic houses with self-cleaning floors and walls, heated, fueled and lit by organisms in a commensal relationship. Everything works on a natural cycle of harmonious renewal and natural evolution.

Science fiction? Think again. Science fiction is turning into fact.

Eco-Living in Sweden

When my family and I traveled through Sweden recently, I was struck by the modern look of their cities. In fact, I was told that one of their kings had long ago ordered the demolishing of their castles in an attempt to discourage the hording of power among the nobles. I'd forgotten that Sweden is one of the leading countries in environmental awareness and environmental technology. I was just cleaning up my office lately and found an old (1993) but still relevant article by Canadian urban planner, Angela Evans, in Alternatives on "Eco-Living in Sweden". It talked about Swedish people building "eco-villages" built with solar technology, recycling and other environmental innovations.

The Swedish government is commited to environmentally-friendly living and supports the technology that helps them achieve this. By 1994 all household garbage had to be separated. 2010 is marked as the final year of nuclear power in the country.