Faculty publishes, 'Bios in Search of Zoe,' an Ecological Graphic Novel

october 8, 2025

BY Emily capdeville

Bios in Search of Zoe, an ecological graphic novel by Assistant Professor of Architecture Assia Crawford, was published by Actar in August of 2025. Dr. Crawford, who joined the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment faculty in the fall of 2025, uses experimental and speculative design to explore resilient, adaptive responses to environmental uncertainty.

Her graphic novel, described below, explores many of the topics that Dr. Crawford researches in her own work.

"In a world reeling from a pandemic, Bios in Search of Zoe tells a story that challenges the boundaries of human ingenuity and ecological interconnectedness. As humanity grapples with its own fragility, this graphic novel invites readers to explore a transformative narrative where science, mythology, and ancient wisdom converge. Set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of redefining its relationship with the natural world, it examines the limits of human-centered systems and imagines a future where life thrives beyond the constructs of the Anthropocene.

"Through a blend of speculative storytelling and bio-design principles, this AI generated novel unpacks the tension between innovation and tradition, questioning the sustainability of growth-driven systems while embracing the possibilities of coexistence. It presents a world where technology is not a tool for domination but a collaborator in shaping harmonious ecosystems. As characters navigate an evolving relationship with the more-than-human world, their journey compels readers to reflect on the possibilities of living, creating, and imagining beyond the familiar.

"Bios in Search of Zoe is more than a story, it is an invitation to rethink humanity's role in a fragile world and to envision pathways that honor both the ingenuity of science and the timeless wisdom of nature."

Learn more about the book or order it here.