Cities have become central to human life and development as the world urbanizes. With global population growth accelerating, urban areas absorb most of this increase. According to the UN-Habitat report (Judith Oginga, 2022), it is estimated that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. This rapid urban expansion places immense pressure on natural systems, as cities depend heavily on external resources to sustain their operations and inhabitants.

Historically, many urban environments have been designed without consideration for their surrounding ecosystems. As Othmani et al. (2022) noted, many built environments have developed as though separate from nature, resulting in structures and systems that often disrupt ecological balance. This disconnect has led to fragile urban systems that are ill-equipped to respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. To create more resilient cities, future development must align with ecological principles, supporting human wellbeing, regenerative resource use, and integration with the natural environment.

In response to the environmental degradation caused by urbanization, cities worldwide are beginning to implement solutions that seek a better balance between society and nature. One emerging approach is the use of nature-based solutions (NbS). The World Bank first introduced this concept in 2008, and it was formally defined by the European Commission in 2015 (Sowińska-Świerkosz and García, 2022). The European Commission describes NbS as actions inspired by, supported by, or directly modeled on nature. Similarly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines nature-based solutions as “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems” (Matthews et al., 2022).

Recent studies highlight that the role of NbS in cities goes beyond ecological restoration. While these strategies are vital for improving biodiversity, they also offer broader benefits at the social and economic levels. For example, integrating green infrastructure such as urban forests, wetlands, or green roofs can improve public health, enhance climate resilience, create local jobs, and contribute to social cohesion. As such, nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as essential tools for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.

In the face of rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and the escalating impacts of climate change, rethinking the design of our cities has become a global imperative. Conventional urban development methods rely on resource-intensive technologies contributing to pollution, energy waste, and ecosystem disruption. A promising alternative gaining traction across architecture and urban planning is the concept of bio-inspiration, also known as biomimicry. This approach involves studying and emulating the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges. Through 3.8 billion years of evolution, nature has developed highly efficient and resilient systems that sustain life without exhausting resources. As Benyus (1997) famously stated, “Life creates conditions conducive to life”, a philosophy at the heart of biomimetic thinking.

A compelling example of bio-inspiration in practice is the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe. This building, designed by architect Mick Pearce, draws directly from the structure of termite mounds, which can maintain internal temperature stability through passive ventilation mechanisms. As Kennedy et al. (2015) described, the Eastgate Centre uses this model to reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional buildings with mechanical climate control systems. This case illustrates how understanding biological principles can lead to transformative improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Another widely studied case involves the lotus leaf, whose microscopic surface structure causes water to bead and roll off, cleaning the leaf. This has inspired the development of self-cleaning materials now used in architecture, reducing water usage and maintenance costs (Vincent et al., 2006). Likewise, cactus skin's heat-reflective and water-collecting features have influenced building designs in arid regions that require innovative thermal and water management solutions.

Beyond individual building elements, biomimicry also offers systems-level insights. The branching patterns of trees and root networks have been applied to optimize the layout of urban transportation and water systems, modeling efficient distribution networks and minimizing energy loss across a city (Vincent et al., 2006). These examples highlight how bio-inspiration is a creative, scientific, and strategic process rooted in observation, analysis, and systems thinking.

To make these concepts accessible and engaging to high school students (ages 14–18), this training unit incorporates Augmented Reality (AR) as a central tool. AR allows learners to explore natural systems in 3D, interact with hidden biological structures, and compare them directly to human designs. This immersive experience supports conceptual learning and creative exploration, providing a bridge between biological science, environmental education, and digital technology. By designing their nature-inspired buildings in AR, students can experiment with ideas without material constraints, fostering sustainability awareness and innovative thinking.

Ultimately, this unit aims to inspire the next generation of architects, engineers, and environmental stewards by showing them that some of the most innovative solutions for urban design have already been invented by nature. Through hands-on interaction and scientific reflection, students will see the built environment not as separate from the natural world, but as something that can learn from and coexist with it.