This dissertation investigates topics at the intersection of life sciences and design research which aim to mitigate the adverse effects of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems. Specifically, it documents research that was carried out as part of the EU-funded HIVEOPOLIS project (FET No. 824069). This project aimed to bolster the resilience of honeybee colonies, which are important models for understanding biological-cultural interactions across various ecosystems. 

Honeybees have historically played an important part in the biodiversity of many ecosystems for millions of years, with a significant shift from natural habitats to human-built ones. This transition, which is characterised by many iterations and design initiatives to improve human convenience and bee health, represents a significant human intervention in the natural world. Habitat alteration often has irreversible consequences, notably disrupting the symbiotic relationships amongst habitat sharing organisms, such as honeybees and wood-decay mycelial fungi. These organisms share mutualistic bonds within their ecosystems, which, from a human perspective, are crucial for crop pollination, producing honey, mushrooms, nutraceuticals, beeswax, and mycelium composites. Among these, mycelium composites are a recent innovation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional thermal insulation materials. The thesis delineates the author’s engagement in two primary work packages within the project HIVEOPOLIS: Organismic Augmentation (OA) and Biohybrid Socialization (BS). OA focuses on establishing augmented habitats for honeybee colonies through the application of digital design and manufacturing techniques, while BS emphasizes the formation of goal-oriented communities via collaboration with the maker-space movement, such as the inception of the I.N.S.E.C.T. Summer camp. This initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between design and life science professionals to address multispecies design challenges. 

Central to the thesis are case studies that explore the integration of mycelium composites for thermal insulation and the exploration of honeybee-mycelial fungi symbiosis for ecological benefits. These studies highlight the ambition to create hive prototypes that not only offer healthy living conditions for honeybees but also embody a synergetic integration of spatial, modular, topological, and material systems to leverage the self-organizing capabilities of mycelial fungi and honeybee superorganisms. Beyond the primary focus on honeybee hives, the research extends to the development of various physical prototypes, including an arch-shaped display for a public museum exhibition and modular insect homes, to broaden public engagement and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Throughout the project, a comprehensive toolset was developed for producing lightweight modules conducive to the assembly of entire beehives. Employing parametric modelling and digital fabrication, this approach enabled the rapid development, modification, and field-testing of prototypes across different seasons, while closely monitoring performance parameters. The prototypes, produced through continuous material deposition techniques for 3D printing with clay and polymer scaffolds, exemplify the iterative design process that illustrates an ecosystem effective hive design. 

The culmination of this research was marked by the field testing of a mycelial beehive, the findings of which were disseminated through a final publication that made the design files publicly accessible. Drawing on the HIVEOPOLIS beehive design scenario, the dissertation concludes with the author’s reflections on the technical and collaborative dimensions of designing architectural solutions that positively impact ecosystems. This study demonstrates an avenue for combining life sciences and design research to promote resilient and sustainable interactions between human activities and natural ecosystems.