This research paper aims to reposition biodiversity not as a merely biological concern, but as a critical lens for architectural and landscape design. By tracing its historical and contemporary roles from the 16th to the 21st century, the study reveals how perceptions of biodiversity have evolved. A four-driver framework – cultural, symbolic, environmental, and economic, serves as the central hypothesis and analytical tool, applied through both visual analytical timelines of primary sources and textual analysis of both primary and secondary sources. These are contextualized through three Dutch case studies to examine how biodiversity has been integrated into design across time. The findings demonstrate a shift from biodiversity as a symbolic and cultural ornament to its current role as an environmental and ecological imperative. Historical practices reveal a continuity of values that shape modern ecological strategies, where nature emerges as an active component in architectural design. The study underscores that biodiversity-inclusive architecture is not a recent innovation, but part of a long-evolving narrative influenced by shifts in technology, policy, and societal values. It also
emphasizes that the four drivers do not act in isolation, but in constant interplay. Finally, the research highlights the importance of expanding the geographic and cultural scope in future investigations, positioning this study as a foundation for broader architectural discourse.