Philip Beesley is one of the global pioneers in living architecture design and research, widely known for his immersive “sentient” physical environments. Since his first experimental presentations, he has worked within collaborative groups. His 2010 Hylozoic Ground project has become a fixture across contemporary international architecture curricula. His current research focuses on the architectural implications of dissipative adaptation and biogenesis at the boundary between mineral and organic realms, revealing fertile qualities. His installations were presented twice at the Venice Biennale for Architecture and are now touring Europe and Oceania.  A multi-year collaboration with TU Delft reaches across multiple departments and research groups. His collaborations with haute couture designer Iris van Herpen appear within 15 collections. 

These integrative probes include poetic expressions, elemental kits and pattern languages. They offer paradigms, tools and frameworks for the emerging discipline of living architecture. Beesley has created an interdisciplinary organization in the Living Architecture Systems Group connecting sixty organizations and 150 member researchers. He has contributed  innovative curriculum frameworks across education and practice. Awards distinguishing his collaborative work include two Governor General's awards for Architecture, the Canadian Prix de Rome, VIDA, and FEIDAD.  Recognizing the depth of his polymath research-creation contributions, the University of Waterloo awarded Beesley the singular title of University Professor in 2023.