Lichens are the symbiotic organisms between fungi and algae, which perform as the miniature ecosystems. Colonies of lichens are spectacular in appearance, dominating the surface of a visual landscape by different species scattered together. 6% Earth‘s land is covered in lichen with 20,000 species. Furthermore, lichens are very important environmental pollution indicators. Learning about their importance in bio-integrated design, but usually being underrated and transparent elements of our environment, I was motivated to work on a broader and interdisciplinary field of research.

Particularly interesting I find lichens self- organising form diversity and symbiotic mutations. Also, fascinating is their multiplication and adaption to almost any surface even in the most extreme environments. Symbiotic co-existence of different elements is interpreted as hybrid structures that represent nature-inspired design possibilities. My intention was to study natural lichen’s formation and to introduce it as a form and material symbiosis in architectural design. 

During the process of research, I was working on parallels between natural and digital, questioning ideas and work possibilities influenced by new media tools. First of all, I did a collection of macro photos of lichens during the field research in different geographical locations. Afterwards, I was analysing the different form features and interpreted it digitally. The goal of this research was to enhance the relation between natural and man-made environment.