This research paper will examine the theories of hylozoism and orgnomy in relationship to the Hylozoic Soil series of responsive geotextile architectures that have been produced by Philip Beesley and his colleagues over the past fifteen years. Hylozoic is taken from the ancient word meaning “life from material.” Orgonomy is a philosophy developed by Wilhelm Reich, a mid-twentieth century scientist, who studied the phenomena of life energy, which he described as “orgone” or a “preatomic universal energy.” It will also contrast Beesley’s way of working to modernist thought.
It will show how the work of Teilhard de Chardin, Wilhelm Reich, and D’Arcy Thompson has influenced Philip Beesley’s practice. It will also explore the mechanical empathy of Beesley’s responsive architectures, how they act as catalysts for growth, and what they could potentially offer in terms of hybrid survival.
