[Skin is] the first line of defense for the body. … Our building skins should be more similar to human skin.

Source: "Metal That Breathes." TEDxUSC. May 2012. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote is from architect Doris Kim Sung's 2012 TED Talk about smart materials made with technology that mimics the natural world. The meaning of the quote is that the outside of buildings should serve as a protective barrier, similar to the way human skin protects the body. In other words, architects should turn to biology for inspiration. Watch the full TED Talk here: Doris Kim Sung - Metal That Breathes