The purpose of this seminar is to foster an understanding of formative processes that will lead the designer of the built environment towards solutions that are consistent with the first principle of nature, i.e., those solutions that are energetically conservative, adaptive, and functional. The creation of arbitrary form, that is, form created without regard to its fit with natural phenomena, is often a source of inefficient and ineffective use of material, energy, and human resources.

To minimise the arbitrariness of form in the built environment is to maximise its performance. To maximise performance, one must accomplish objectives in the most effective manner while minimising the use of energy and material resources.

The fulfilment of performance requirements is at the root of all natural structures. If an organism does not fulfil its function or does not perform efficiently, it does not succeed. Fitness is determined by effectiveness, and effectiveness is determined by low-energy efficiency.