With current advancements in Cyber-physical Systems (CpS), data-driven design to both production and operation processes has been increasingly incorporating aspects of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These aspects are the focus of architectural exploration implemented in the Robotic Building lab at Technical University (TU) Delft using Design-to-Robotic-Production and -Operation (D2RP&O) methods. In the presented project implemented in collaboration with the Landscape Architecture and Informatics departments from TU Delft and the University of Fribourg, respectively, new habitats are developed for various animal and plant species by introducing small-scale interventions in residual space. The intention for these inserts is to support biodiversity by engaging humans in interaction with them and each other. In this context, the inserts are not only produced by computational and robotic means, but they also contain sensor–actuator mechanisms that allow humans to interact with them by establishing bio-cyber-physical feedback loops. The aim is to identify the challenges and potential of such systems to improve spatial experience, increase social interaction, as well as support biodiversity, in urban environments.

Design-to-Robotic-Production (D2RP) approaches developed in the Robotic Building lab at Technical University (TU) Delft link computational design to robotic production. They facilitate the development of process, energy, and material efficient approaches in architecture. When combined with circular wood approaches, they help reduce the ecological footprint left behind by construction processes, which is explored here as a workshop in collaboration with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) as part of a project funded by the Dutch Research Council. The workshop introduced students to subtractive D2RP that was implemented on structurally optimized curvilinear components milled from circular i.e., reused wood.