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Our interdisciplinary master’s degrees create future leaders who use biodesign, biotechnology, advanced computation and fabrication to define a radically sustainable built environment.
About
Our urban habitat today is being fundamentally influenced by revolutions in biotechnology, computation and our exposure to the long-lasting effects of climate change. Bio-Integrated Design takes these life-changing phenomena as the foundation to explore radical, sophisticated, yet also critical, design solutions that will shape our future society. Nature plays a central role in the programme, beyond that of a model or inspiration, it is the medium of a new multi-layered design approach that is biologically, materially and socially integrated.
Taught jointly by UCL's The Bartlett School of Architecture and Biochemical Engineering Department, Bio-Integrated Design brings together a spectrum of multi-disciplinary academics, practitioners and students, combining design experimentation with scientific methods, seeking new modes of simulation and production, and exploring how advances in the fields of synthetic biology, material science and digital fabrication are changing future design practices.
The programme is taught in UCL's cutting-edge facilities at Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - a space renowned as a hotbed for technological innovation and home to some of the UK's leading performance and design companies. These world-class facilities provide an ideal space for the large-scale construction of installations, as well as for public events.
Highlights
- Explore biologically integrated design, including digital simulations, synthetic biology and biotechnology and digital fabrication with experienced, interdisciplinary experts
- Work within state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Biochemical Engineering Labs and architectural fabrication facilities offered by The Bartlett Manufacturing and Design Exchange
- Study at a world-leading architecture school, with unrivalled connections to industry and research in London.
Modules
MArch
This programme consists of six modules in the first year (worth 180 credits) and two modules in second year (worth 120 credits).
Year 1
- Introduction to Scientific Methods, Laboratory and Environmental Practices (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Brenda Parker
This module gives students a foundation for working with biological systems through laboratory and outdoor activities. Students will gain basic biological and environmental knowledge, as well as key practical skills required for scientific investigations that include data collection and recording. Students will learn how to cultivate and study a variety of living systems such as microbes, algae, mosses, etc., while conducting an enquiry-led investigation.
- Computational Skills (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Javier Ruiz
Students are introduced to the computational skills needed to design and fabricate bio-integrated projects. They generate complex morphological systems and simulate growth protocols that can be applied to nature and the building environment. Students work individually with advanced software for animation and simulation and develop basic programming skills.
- Literature Review (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Harry Watkins
In this module, students are taught the research methodologies and strategies to define a preliminary independent literature review for their Final Design Project and Fabrication. They engage with bibliographic references that underpin conceptual, technical and theoretical work in bio-integrated design and synthesise literature from a wide range of architecture, ecology, engineering and scientific sources.
- Preliminary Design (30 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Shneel Malik
Students are immersed in the programme’s experimental design culture through a preliminary project, engaging individually with new research agendas, such as bioreceptivity, environmental design, water-based systems and synthetic biology. In addition to regular tutorials and project reviews, students receive input via a variety of seminars and workshops with invited experts in architecture, design, material science and biology.
- Year 1 Design Project and Fabrication (75 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Shneel Malik
Informed by their work and discussions in the Preliminary Designs module, students develop a speculative Design Project and Fabrication for the built environment. Projects aim to demonstrate an advanced and specialist knowledge of materialisation and fabrication, as well as experimental design skills and the ability to take an original approach to bio-integrated design.
- Core Interdisciplinary Methods (30 credits)
Module coordinators: Prof. Marcos Cruz and Dr Brenda Parker
In this module students focus on an interdisciplinary exploration that is both theoretical and practical. It runs in parallel to the main design project, giving students the opportunity to acquire more advanced skills in computation and advanced fabrication, data analysis, and/or scientific methods. The core aim of this module is to equip students with practical knowledge to implement a bio-integrated design methodology that can be applied in their design projects. Experimental work is contextualised, described, and illustrated in a report.
Year 2
- Design Specialisation and Interdisciplinary Context (30 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Nina Jotanovic
In this module students have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of design and fabrication to gain in-depth skills and produce significant design iterations and prototypes from their experiments. Students will be guided by a supervisor who is an expert in the chosen field to support them in carrying out intensive experimentation and testing that will underpin the Comprehensive Project Thesis.
- Comprehensive Project Thesis (90 credits)
Module coordinator: Professor Marcos Cruz
The module works as the development and finalisation stage of the year-long collaborative comprehensive design project in Year 2. It prepares students for a future career in professional practice or academic research. Through explorative tutorials, seminars and critique sessions, students develop an in-depth and original project thesis demonstrating an advanced stage of bio-integrated design. Projects include a substantial qualitative design and material component, including environmental and computational simulations.
MSc
This programme consists of six modules during the first year (worth 180 credits) and two modules in second year (worth 120 credits).
Year 1
- Scientific Methods, Laboratory and Environmental Practices (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Brenda Parker
This module gives students a foundation for working with biological systems through laboratory and outdoor activities. Students will gain basic biological and environmental knowledge, as well as key practical skills required for scientific investigations that Include data collection and recording. Students will learn how to cultivate and study a v ariety of living systems such as microbes, algae, mosses, etc., while conducting an enquiry-led investigation
- Computational Skills (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Javier Ruiz
Students are introduced to the computational skills needed to design and fabricate bio-integrated projects. They generate complex morphological systems and simulate growth protocols that can be applied to nature and the building environment. Students work individually with advanced software for animation and simulation and develop basic programming skills.
- Literature Review (15 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Harry Watkins
In this module, students are taught the research methodologies and strategies to define a preliminary independent literature review for their Final Design Project and Fabrication. They engage with bibliographic references that underpin conceptual, technical and theoretical work in bio-integrated design and synthesise literature from a wide range of architecture, ecology, engineering and scientific sources.
- Introductory Design Practice (30 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Shneel Malik
Students are introduced to the programme’s experimental design culture through a preliminary project, engaging individually with new research agendas, such as bioreceptivity, environmental design, water-based systems and synthetic biology. In addition to regular tutorials and project reviews, students receive input via a variety of seminars and workshops with invited experts in architecture, design, material science and biology.
- Year 1 Applied Interdisciplinary Project (75 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Shneel Malik
Working in groups, students complete a project that materialises previously developed concepts through basic fabrication and advanced growth systems. Students design explorations are supported by a series of workshops with invited experts in the fields of biotechnology, synthetic biology and ecology, providing them with the knowledge and skills to develop a series of prototypes.
- Core Interdisciplinary Methods (30 credits)
Module coordinator: Prof. Marcos Cruz and Dr Brenda Parker
In this module students focus on an interdisciplinary exploration that is both theoretical and practical. It runs in parallel to the main design project, giving students the opportunity to acquire more advanced skills in scientific methods, data analysis, and/or computation and advanced fabrication. A core aim of this module is to equip students with practical knowledge to implement a bio-integrated design methodology that can be applied in their design projects. Experimental work is contextualised, described, and illustrated in a report.
Year 2
- Scientific Specialisation and Design (30 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Nina Jotanovic
In this module students have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of scientific specialisation, fabrication and/or design to gain in-depth skills and produce significant data from their experiments. Students will be guided by a supervisor who is an expert in the chosen field to support them in carrying out intensive experimentation and testing that will underpin the integrated research project.
- Integrated Research Project (90 credits)
Module coordinator: Dr Brenda Parker
The module works as the development and finalisation stage of the year-long collaborative integrated research project in Year 2. It prepares students for a future career in professional practice or academic research. Through explorative tutorials, seminars and critique sessions, students develop an in-depth and original project thesis demonstrating an advanced stage of bio-integrated design. Projects include a substantial quantitative research component, complex materiality and biochemical elements.
Key information
Two distinct Bio-Integrated Design programmes are available: an MArch degree and an MSc degree. Applicants should choose which to apply depending on their background and whether they seek to specialise in more exclusively design or more science-driven outputs.
Bio-Integrated Design is part of B-Pro, a group of five programmes at The Bartlett with a unique shared philosophy.
Modes/duration
Full-time: two years
Flexible: three to five years
Entry requirements
MArch
A minimum of a second-class UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
A design/creative portfolio is also expected. Applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of their design work along with a short piece of writing once their completed application has been received, and should not send or upload work until it has been requested.
MSc
A minimum of a second-class UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants will also be asked to submit two short pieces of writing. Details on this will be provided once the completed application has been received by the department.
All applicants to Bio-Integrated Design will be invited to an interview (in person or online).
Read the full entry requirements in the UCL Graduate Prospectus for:
Read the full guidance on portfolio preparation here.
Application guidance for 2024 entry
Applicants can only apply for a maximum of two postgraduate degree programmes at The Bartlett School of Architecture.
Application deadline
Applications for 2025 entry open on 14 October 2024 and close on 4 April 2025 (for applicants requiring a visa) and 29 August 2025 (for applicants not requiring a visa). We strongly advise early application, as our programmes are over subscribed and competition is high.
Deferral
It is not possible to defer an offer at The Bartlett School of Architecture. If you wish to be considered for the following year then you must reapply in the next admissions cycle.
Tier 4 Student visa holders
Tier 4 Student visa holders are required to meet the English language proficiency of their offer with sufficient time to obtain a CAS number and visa.
Accepting your offer
To accept your offer, you must pay the non-refundable fee deposit and decline any other offers for programmes at The Bartlett School of Architecture. If you do not respond within the given time indicated on your UCL offer letter, then your offer will be withdrawn.
Fees and funding
- Tuition fee information can be found on the UCL Graduate Prospectus pages for the MArch and the MSc.
- For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding section of the UCL website.
PGIM Bio-Integrated Design MSc Scholarships
The Windsor Fellowship is working with UCL to offer a scholarship sponsored by PGIM Real Estate to enable a UK domiciled and/or Overseas student to pursue a postgraduate study in the Bio-Integrated Design programme for 2024/25. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2025, 12:00 UK time. Follow this link for further details and guidance on how to apply.
Staff
- Professor Marcos Cruz, Programme Director
Programme Director of Bio-Integrated Design MArch and Design Tutor
Marcos Cruz is a registered architect and Professor of Innovative Environments at The Bartlett, investigating design that is driven by advances in bio-technology and computation. His recent research projects focus on poikilohydric design and bioreceptive materials, which have been exhibited at the Centre Pompidou, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cooper Hewitt/Smithsonian NY, CUBE Netherlands and more. Marcos' previous work on Neoplasmatic Architecture was awarded the international RIBA prize for research in 2008. His 15-year practice work collaboration with Marjan Colletti led to over 30 projects, which were exhibited and published in over 300 publications and exhibitions, including the Venice and São Paulo Biennale, the Royal Academy of Arts, SCI-arc and TADA Centre Taiwan, amongst many others.
- Dr Brenda Parker, Programme Director
Programme Director of Bio-Integrated Design MSc and Science Tutor
Brenda Parker is a biochemical engineer and Associate Professor of Sustainable Bioprocess Design at the UCL Department of Biochemical Engineering. Her research focuses on industrial biotechnology, in particular the use of photosynthetic organisms for sustainable chemical production which she previously developed as a postdoctoral researcher in the Algal Biotechnology Consortium at the University of Cambridge. Her approach is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together the fields of engineering, molecular biology and synthetic biology. Brenda’s research into scale up of microalgal processes for recombinant protein production, bioremediation and nutrient recycling has resulted in numerous scientific publications. Her most recent collaborative work was internationally exhibited at The Centre Pompidou, London Design Festival, A/D/O in New York and the Firstsite Gallery.
- Anete Salmane, Biology and Lab Coordinator
Lab Coordinator; Lab Module Tutor; Year 2 Tutor
Anete Salmane is a biologist and Lecturer (Teaching) at The Bartlett School of Architecture. Throughout her studies in Latvia and the Netherlands, she learned to apply biological knowledge across a range of disciplines. Anete teaches both in Year 1 and Year 2 Bio-ID where her role is directed towards guiding students in harnessing scientific tools and methodologies, recognizing them as crucial skills for bio-integrated designers. Her specific research interests are centred around (fungal) microbiology and fabrication.
- Javier Ruiz Rodriguez, Computing and Architectural Design Tutor
Design Tutor Year 1 and Year 2; Module Coordinator of Computational Skilling module
Javier Ruiz is an architectural designer and Senior Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett. He is the founder and design director of Softbiome, an online platform for the development of computational design techniques and teaching methodologies. Javier's work focuses on rigorous geometric design for cinematic virtual environments. Previously, Javier worked at Foster + Partners, Grimshaw Architects and Crab Studio. He has also led various design computing workshops around the world in Florence, Dubai and Amsterdam.
- Dr Nina Jotanovic, Admissions Tutor and Interdisciplinary Design Tutor
Year 2 Specialisation Module Coordinator; Literature Review Tutor; Admissions Tutor
Dr Nina Jotanovic is an architectural designer who works at the intersection of design, chemical and biochemical engineering, with an expertise in biomineralisation and the perceptual effects of materials that can be grown. Nina has a cross-disciplinary PhD from the Bartlett School of Architecture and The Centre for Nature Inspired Engineering at UCL, where she investigated the growth of microscopically thin, yet three-dimensional, lustrous materials of biogenic origin. Her work has been published in Paisajes and exhibited at Construmat Barcelona, Biofabricate New York, and Open Cell London.
- Dr Shneel Malik, Interdisciplinary Design Tutor and Year 1 Coordinator
Design Tutor Year 1; Year 1 Coordinator
Dr Shneel Malik is an architectural designer originally from India, who investigates the design of photosynthetic membranes from water-based biological materials. She has a cross-disciplinary PhD from the Bartlett School of Architecture and Department of Biochemical Engineering, where she explored large-scale fabrication techniques of 3D printing and robotic fabrication to create biological scaffolds with a range of applications in the built environment. Shneel's work has been widely disseminated, including at the London Design Festival, Centre Pompidou and Tallinn Architecture Biennale, as well as in her TEDx Gateway talk in Mumbai. Shneel is also the leader of INDUS, a tile-based wall system designed to clean wastewater through bioremediation, which won the International Design Competition, Water Futures organised by A/D/O in New York.
- Dr Harry Watkins, Ecology and Ecosystems Tutor
Module Coordinator Literature Review
Harry Watkins is a landscape designer, Senior Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett and also the Director of the St Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland. His broad expertise ranges from landscape architecture, urban ecologies, novel ecosystems, plant physiology, trees, machine learning, biosafety and bio-security, restoration ecology and climate. In his research Harry uses ecological forecasting techniques to improve decision-making as well as functional biogeography techniques to study species responses to climate change and bio-security threats. Harry's role within Bio-ID is focused on the application of plant ecology research to new forms of technology.
- Dr Andreas Körner, Environmental and Architectural Design Tutor
Design Tutor Year 2; Environmental Design Tutor
Andreas’ design research explores the relationship between the built and the natural environment through layering, materials, and ornament. Special interest is given to the impact of weather on surfaces and their textural articulations. The results are highly intricate interfaces that express invisible environmental parameters in the built environment. He holds a BSc in architecture from TU Vienna, a MArch pt2 from the Bartlett, and a PhD in architecture from the University of Innsbruck. At Bio-ID, Andreas teaches environmental design methods as well as supervising second-year projects.
- Prantar Tamuli, Interdisciplinary Design Tutor
Literature Review Tutor
Prantar is an architect and literature review tutor in Bio-ID. He is pursuing an EPSRC-funded PhD in the Department of Biochemical Engineering and The Bartlett at UCL. His research interests and expertise revolve around cyanobacteria, biomineralization and developing engineered living materials for architectural applications. He holds a collaborative patent for this research and was awarded the Manton prize by the British Phycological Society. He most recently won the Conception-X prize for his entrepreneurial ideas to transform the built environment. Prior to moving to London, he has 8 years of cumulative experience in the design and architecture industry and has worked on several large-scale ecological redevelopment projects
- Pradeep Devadass, Advanced Fabrication
Advanced Fabrication Tutor Year 1; Specialisation Year 2 Tutor
Pradeep is an architect and roboteer. He is involved in Bio-ID fabrication focused projects and teaches in the 15-month programme Design for Manufacture at The Bartlett. He has previously taught at the RWTH Aachen (Germany) and the Architectural Association (UK) where he played a key role in developing the school’s first robotic lab. Prior to teaching, he worked with Archi-Union (China) & RSP (India) as an architect. He is one of few recipients to receive the prestigious MAK-Schindler Residency Program Award (USA) awarded to emerging artists and architects, internationally. He has been certified by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (Innovate UK) as a global leader in computational design, construction, innovation and teaching.
- Tony Le, Computational Design Tutor
Computational Skilling Year 1 and Year 2 Tutor
Tony is an architectural designer and Lecturer (Teaching) in Skills and Technology as well as a computational tutor in Bio-ID Year 1 and 2. He is also a research assistant at CityX Venice. His research interests lie in programming Complex systems: Evolutionary algorithms, collective behaviour, and self-organisation/emergence. Tony’s design research focuses on computational design through procedural modelling, material simulations and programming. Previously, Tony has worked on urban masterplans, stadia, and large-scale commercial projects across different London practices.
- Ian Robinson, Interdisciplinary Design Tutor
Design Tutor Year 1; Literature Review Tutor
Ian is a fine artist and bio-integrated designer teaching on Bio-ID Year 1. He is currently pursuing an EPSRC-funded PhD in the Department of Biochemical Engineering and The Bartlett. Ian’s research investigates the biofabrication of biologically grown living artefacts from plant tissue culture, exploring the interactions between biomaterial scaffolds, hormone and nutrient flow and their effects on plant cell growth and development. He originally studied Fine Art at University of the Arts London and obtained a MArch degree in Bio-Integrated Design from The Bartlett.
- Alexandra Lacatusu, Interdisciplinary Design Tutor
Year 1 Tutor
Alexandra is an architectural designer and interdisciplinary researcher who supports project development in Bio-ID. She is also an Associate Lecturer at the Oxford Brookes University. Alex is pursuing an EPSRC-funded PhD at The Bartlett and the Department of Biochemical Engineering, where she is investigating the complex and highly dynamic interactions between environmental, biological and chemical factors influencing material bioreceptivity. Alexandra’s work was published in Antennae and Igloo magazines and exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the RIBA President Medals Exhibition.
- Ella Heatherington, Interdisciplinary Design Tutor
Year 1 & Literature Review Tutor
Ella is a researcher and bio-integrated designer teaching on Bio-ID Year 1. She is currently pursuing an EPSRC-funded PhD in the Department of Biochemical Engineering and The Bartlett investigating the large-scale fabrication of bio-hybrid materials for the built environment. Ella obtained an MSc in Bio-integrated Design and was the recipient of the Industrial Design Studentship from The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. Ella also has a BA in 3D Design and Craft, with professional experience across both design studios and academic research.
This Master’s programme is for students who are equally fascinated by advanced technology and things that grow – architecture and biochemical engineering. We’ll be working together to build and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and develop complex ideas, prototypes, projects and plans, which integrate nature, science and architecture in new ways.“
Professor Marcos Cruz, Programme Director, Bio-Integrated Design MArch/MSc
“Biological design and architecture will only grow in significance in the 21st Century, as we see our world shaped by environmental factors beyond our control and in need of greater scientific and architectural innovation. A Master’s in Bio-integrated Design brings together biologists and designers to create sophisticated solutions for the future of the built environment.Biological design and architecture will only grow in significance in the 21st Century, as we see our world shaped by environmental factors beyond our control and in need of greater scientific and architectural innovation. A Master’s in Bio-integrated Design brings together biologists and designers to create sophisticated solutions for the future of the built environment.Biological design and architecture will only grow in significance in the 21st Century, as we see our world shaped by environmental factors beyond our control and in need of greater scientific and architectural innovation. A Master’s in Bio-integrated Design brings together biologists and designers to create sophisticated solutions for the future of the built environment.Biological design and architecture will only grow in significance in the 21st century, as we see our world shaped by environmental factors beyond our control and in need of greater scientific and architectural innovation. A Master’s in Bio-integrated Design brings together biologists and designers to create sophisticated solutions for the future of the built environment.
Dr Brenda Parker, Programme Director, Bio-Integrated Design MArch/MSc
Careers
The Bartlett School of Architecture is one of the world's leading architecture schools and our graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Bio-ID is highly multicultural, attracting students from 34 different countries who in both full-time and flexible mode often undertake paid work within or related to the field. Our students disseminate their work through a number of International exhibitions and publications. Selected conferences and peer-reviewed publications include the ICSA conference proceedings; Structures and Architecture/CRC Press; Biocalibrated/Biodesign-CSM; SigraDi conference; Design for Rethinking Resources; Frontiers Architectural Research/Science Direct; Architectural Research Quarterly.
Bio-ID prepares graduates for practice, innovating within established architectural and landscape architecture offices, as well as biodesign, product and science companies, also Bio-ID alumni have established start-ups (Tattva, Nuna Studio, Phyta Biodesign, Casa Tamarindo).
Offices:
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Foster + Partners
- Peter Cook / CHAP
- McGregor Coxall
- Building Design Partnership
- SOM
Companies:
- Faber Futures
- Vivobarefoot
- UN Habitat
- Miyako Kagaku
- GTS/Greentown Scape
As an emerging field, the programmes also equip students for further teaching and PhD research at various universities including:
- Yale School of Architecture
- Institute of Experimental Architecture/University of Innsbruck
- Oxford University
- HBBE/Newcastle University
- University of Greenwich
- VAX HUB Sustainable
- The Bartlett School of Architecture and Department of Biochemical Engineering at UCL
Awards Work developed in Bio-ID has received numerous international awards, including The New Bauhaus competition for Circular Economy Innovation (2024); Forbes Poland 25 under 25 (2024); Forbes Kazakhstan 30 under 30 (2024); Green Product Award (2024); Paris Design Award (2024); shortlist for the Mayor’s Entrepreneur Competition, London (2023); ICSA best paper award (2022); selection for the Lisbon Triennale (2022); British Phycological Society best paper award (2021).
Contact
Programme Director: Marcos Cruz and Brenda Parker
Departmental Tutor: Daniel Ovalle Costal
Programme admissions enquiries: Complete the contact form
Programme Administrator: Dawn Mitchell and Daniel Rodriguez
