The British engineering firm Ove Arup started it in the 1980s, with its research into the strength of natural structures. Now buildings inspired by spider's webs, giant hogweed, bird's nests, coral reefs and termite mounds are on drawing boards everywhere. The reasons are not simply poetic. A spider's web is amazingly tough. A fragile-looking plant can withstand a gale that will blow the roofs off buildings.
House martins can build lightweight, durable homes very rapidly.
Coral reefs shape themselves according to climatic conditions.