Arbo-Architecture Realized

A previous post outlined the tenets of Arbo-architecture, a term and concept from students from University of Stuttgart... now the concept has evolved, via a lexiconigraphical stretch from Inhabitat to the "...“baubotanical” building, which measures 9 meters high with a base area of 8 square meters, is made up of hundreds of White Willow plants, which will eventually fuse together to form a single, giant mega tree."


:: image via Inhabitat

More on the baubotanical: "Plants at the base of the building were plugged into the soil, while others were placed in containers attached to a temporary steel scaffolding. When the root structure is strong enough, the plant containers will be removed. And once the structure can carry three steel platforms, the scaffolding will be taken down. The whole process is expected to take between 8 and 10 years, but a green wall should sprout in the coming year. The baubotanical building isn’t just being built for the fun of it–the architects involved are researching both tree elasticity and how trees can grow around steel supports. If the living tree tower pans out as expected, the concept could be used as a natural building option for everything from bridges to pavilions to bird-watching stations."

While I was curious about the etymology of the term 'baubotanical', and was surprised as I came across a range of items that didn't seem to fit the typical concept of the baub... am I missing something here, or is it just an innocent version of 'business as usual?' in terms of botany. I think not.