Form follows structure

Occupying and Connecting, Frei Otto, 2009

The image above is provided by Otto in support of his argument that human spontaneous networks of urbanity follow similar patterns to ones formed in nature through the structures of leaves, insect colonies or soap bubbles. Since none of these networks mentioned is formally planned, their form is the outcome of an evolutionary process favouring systems with a minimal energy path or more accurately an energetic equilibrium. In a similar manner our own organic non-planned communities, such as medieval villages follow those patterns, which minimize energy expenditure. This may lead us to one of two possible conclusions: 1. we need not bother with urban planning, as the emergent self organization would take care of itself in the most efficient way, or 2. our planning should be informed by these processes and at best imitate their operations to ‘become one with nature’. This has essentially triggered an enormous interest toward a more qualitative yet empirical examination of processes of self- formation, but if we look at nature, we do need to understand that things and organism emerge because larger systems (ecosystems) are eventually responsible for what we call morphogenetic changes. Otto looks into various experimental apparatuses that take into consideration patterns and grids established by natural systems and processes of crystallization.