Nature and architecture
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design an architectural structure which takes inspiration from nature.
Key learning points
- We can find amazing architectural structures in nature, such as the bees' nest and the snail shell.
- Architects have used the structure of organic forms from nature in their building designs.
- Drawing from natural forms can inspire architectural designs.
Keywords
Form - the visual appearance, structure or constitution of an object, referring to three dimensional objects
Structure - built elements such as buildings, streets, roads, parks, and bridges
Scale - the relative size or proportion of an object or artwork to its surroundings or itself
Common misconception
There are no new ways to be inspired by nature.
We can all find new things that inspire us in the world around us.
Teacher tip
The Additional materials contains images to support drawings should you not have access to natural forms. Recording the development process photographically for pupils' sketchbooks will enable opportunities for later reflection and evaluation.
Equipment
Papers, charcoal, scissors, rubbers, putty rubber, tape, natural forms. Camera or digital device for photographic recording of the development process.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does "form" refer to in art?
Q2.Match the description to the correct answer.
human-made structures like buildings, roads, and bridges used in art
arrangement of how the different elements fit together in an artwork
when the composition of an artwork is imbalanced and not symmetrical
when both sides of an artwork are identical or mirror each other
Q3.Why do architects look to nature for inspiration in building design?
Q4.What does scale show in relation to other objects in art?
Q5.How does scale help create depth in a piece of art?
Q6.Match the description to the correct natural structure.
colourful underwater structures that provide shelter for marine life
a neat, waxy home with a shape made of tiny hexagons
where branches and leaves form a “roof”
a delicate, sticky web spun by a small creature to catch food
a series of tall, rocky formations that stretch over large areas
mineral formations that hang down from cave ceilings, growing slowly
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do artists and architects observe natural structures?
Q2.What is the first step in recording a natural form?
Q3.Select the different ways you can experiment with composition and structure when drawing.
Q4.What is the best way to show the scale of a building in a design?
Q5.Which natural structure inspires strong, efficient designs in architecture?
Q6.How can design be inspired by nature? Match the descriptions.
observing surface qualities and materials from nature
studying forms found in nature
understanding how nature evolves over time
scientific and digital tools help analyse nature in detail
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Nature and architecture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Nature and architecture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the The importance of nature in art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.