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.

Minimal interventions that provide various microclimates can stimulate both biodiversity and social accessibility of leftover spaces. New habitats are often developed for different animal and plant species based on studies of the microclimates typical of such residual spaces. By introducing interventions of 0.5-1.0 m diameter ‘planetoids’ placed at various locations, existing and new life is supported. The ‘planetoid’ described in this paper is prototyped by means of Design-to-Robotic-Production and -Operation (D2RP&O). This implies that it is not only produced by robotic means, but that it contains sensor-actuator mechanisms that allow humans to interact with them by establishing a bio-cyber-physical feedback loop.

Under the guise of improving human wellbeing, capitalist societies focus on economic growth and expansion, while neglecting the decline of abandoned urban structures. We approach the results of this abandonment as “new wilderness” landscape: a hybrid of spontaneous nature and architectural decay. Abandoned, wild places still have a negative connotation. However, these
places are an inevitable part of the urban fabric, containing potential social and ecological benefits. The question is: how can landscape interventions make this idea of wilderness more acceptable, so that the beneficial aspects can be recognized and allowed to develop? Hence this research, makes the case, it is through small interventions that could alter people´s perception and allow
natural succession. Four projects working with the aforementioned new wilderness concept were selected. By reviewing their attitude towards new wilderness, several conflicts between human intervention and wilderness arise. These conflicts aid us in emphasizing accessibility, flexibility and difference as guiding principles for landscape design as tool for embracing new wilderness.