Pollinators don't care
Basic information
Project Title
Pollinators don't care
Full project title
Pollinators don't care - Festival des Jardins de la Côte d'Azur
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Created as a place of debate between humans, this garden works as an optical illusion : from one side it looks all yellow, from the other it looks purple. Two megaphones allow for the visitors to argue/debate about the color of the garden. The message is clear: humans spend their time & energy arguing instead of acting... because at the end of the day, yellow or purple, pollinators don't care. The whole garden is built for fauna: a meadow of colored local blossoms & biobased insect habitats.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
(Provence-Alpes) Côte d'Azur, France
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
This project is a public garden. It was built as part of a festival and is open to visitors as well as 16 other garden projects.
We decided to use the opportunity to question/provoke both the visitors and the local municipalities on what it means to act for the preservation/creation of biodiversity.
The garden can be visited from two opposite entrance points. We strategically placed insect habitats to create masks to give the illusion of a monocolor garden. From one side you can see a fully purple garden, from the other a fully yellow garden. Thanks to an installation of two facing megaphones, the visitors can debate about the color they observe from their point of view.
The message and critic of the garden is revealed by its title : pollinators don't care... about the colors of the garden, or the specific point of view of each visitor. Humans tend to spend too much time debating and arguing about biodiversity, instead of acting.
The garden acts.
It shows how, in this region, the preservation of biodiversity could be tackled. All the structures built for the garden (the pathway, the insect hotels, the megaphones) are made from 100% biobased and biodegradable materials. Most of those materials have been recuperated and are in their second life-cycle. The megaphones are made from biobased and biodegradable 3d printed cellulose material. The elements filling the insect hotels have been harvested locally (pinecones, leaves, barks).
The planting is composed of local species, that require low maintenance and low water supply, they blossom throughout the year or provide natural fibers useful for animal nesting.
After the dismantlement of the garden, the insect hotels, hosting pollinator cocoons and eggs will be distributed around the municipality, involving local schools and associations. The plants will also be transplanted.
That's how we meant to make this show garden into something with a long-term positive impact on the local biodiversity.
We decided to use the opportunity to question/provoke both the visitors and the local municipalities on what it means to act for the preservation/creation of biodiversity.
The garden can be visited from two opposite entrance points. We strategically placed insect habitats to create masks to give the illusion of a monocolor garden. From one side you can see a fully purple garden, from the other a fully yellow garden. Thanks to an installation of two facing megaphones, the visitors can debate about the color they observe from their point of view.
The message and critic of the garden is revealed by its title : pollinators don't care... about the colors of the garden, or the specific point of view of each visitor. Humans tend to spend too much time debating and arguing about biodiversity, instead of acting.
The garden acts.
It shows how, in this region, the preservation of biodiversity could be tackled. All the structures built for the garden (the pathway, the insect hotels, the megaphones) are made from 100% biobased and biodegradable materials. Most of those materials have been recuperated and are in their second life-cycle. The megaphones are made from biobased and biodegradable 3d printed cellulose material. The elements filling the insect hotels have been harvested locally (pinecones, leaves, barks).
The planting is composed of local species, that require low maintenance and low water supply, they blossom throughout the year or provide natural fibers useful for animal nesting.
After the dismantlement of the garden, the insect hotels, hosting pollinator cocoons and eggs will be distributed around the municipality, involving local schools and associations. The plants will also be transplanted.
That's how we meant to make this show garden into something with a long-term positive impact on the local biodiversity.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project aimed to promote biodiversity conservation, demonstrate the use of sustainable materials, engage the local community, communicate a message of action, and emphasize resource efficiency.
Achievements:
Biodiversity Conservation: The project successfully supports biodiversity preservation by using local, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly plant species. Insect habitats and the distribution of pollinator cocoons and eggs within the community further contribute to this objective.
Use of Sustainable Materials: The project excels in sustainability by utilizing 100% biobased and biodegradable materials, as well as repurposed materials for its structures. This serves as a model for sustainable construction and design practices.
Long-Term Community Engagement: The involvement of local schools and associations in distributing insect hotels and transplanting plants ensures that the project's impact endures, making it exemplary in fostering community engagement.
Message of Action: The garden's design and its critical message inspire visitors to think about taking concrete actions for biodiversity preservation, making it an exemplary fusion of art and sustainability in conveying a powerful message. A lot of local politicians and municipalities have also been confronted and questioned about these topics.
Resource Efficiency: By using materials in their second life-cycle and promoting resource efficiency, the project sets an example of circular economy principles, showcasing sustainability in practice. Some of their materials (reeds, wool) have been rescued from waste-treatment, some other (3d printed cellulose) are innovative and in development.
Achievements:
Biodiversity Conservation: The project successfully supports biodiversity preservation by using local, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly plant species. Insect habitats and the distribution of pollinator cocoons and eggs within the community further contribute to this objective.
Use of Sustainable Materials: The project excels in sustainability by utilizing 100% biobased and biodegradable materials, as well as repurposed materials for its structures. This serves as a model for sustainable construction and design practices.
Long-Term Community Engagement: The involvement of local schools and associations in distributing insect hotels and transplanting plants ensures that the project's impact endures, making it exemplary in fostering community engagement.
Message of Action: The garden's design and its critical message inspire visitors to think about taking concrete actions for biodiversity preservation, making it an exemplary fusion of art and sustainability in conveying a powerful message. A lot of local politicians and municipalities have also been confronted and questioned about these topics.
Resource Efficiency: By using materials in their second life-cycle and promoting resource efficiency, the project sets an example of circular economy principles, showcasing sustainability in practice. Some of their materials (reeds, wool) have been rescued from waste-treatment, some other (3d printed cellulose) are innovative and in development.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The project aimed to create a visually striking and thought-provoking experience that engages and resonates with visitors.
Achievements:
Visual Impact: The garden's unique design, with two contrasting monocolor gardens viewable from different entrances, creates a visually captivating experience that sparks curiosity and discussion among visitors. The use on an optical illusion made the piece especially attractive to visitors.
Interactive Element: The installation of facing megaphones encourages visitors to engage in debates about the colors they observe, enhancing the quality of their experience and fostering reflection.
Aesthetic Sustainability: The attention used to design the insect hotels, as well as the megaphones and their supports have received positive feedback for their minimalism and elegance.
Achievements:
Visual Impact: The garden's unique design, with two contrasting monocolor gardens viewable from different entrances, creates a visually captivating experience that sparks curiosity and discussion among visitors. The use on an optical illusion made the piece especially attractive to visitors.
Interactive Element: The installation of facing megaphones encourages visitors to engage in debates about the colors they observe, enhancing the quality of their experience and fostering reflection.
Aesthetic Sustainability: The attention used to design the insect hotels, as well as the megaphones and their supports have received positive feedback for their minimalism and elegance.
Key objectives for inclusion
The project aimed to ensure accessibility and affordability for all, foster inclusive governing systems, and adhere to design-for-all principles.
Achievements:
Accessibility and Affordability: As a public garden, the project is accessible to a wide range of visitors. By involving local schools and associations and distributing insect hotels and transplants, it promotes inclusivity and affordability for all.
Inclusive Governance: Multiple stakeholders were involved in decision-making, such as the municipality, the organization of the festival, local nurseries and passersby.
Design for All Principles: The garden's design incorporates elements like the megaphones that engage visitors in discussions regardless of their background or abilities, aligning with the "design for all" principle to create a universally accessible experience. The insect habitats follow simple, replicable blueprints.
Achievements:
Accessibility and Affordability: As a public garden, the project is accessible to a wide range of visitors. By involving local schools and associations and distributing insect hotels and transplants, it promotes inclusivity and affordability for all.
Inclusive Governance: Multiple stakeholders were involved in decision-making, such as the municipality, the organization of the festival, local nurseries and passersby.
Design for All Principles: The garden's design incorporates elements like the megaphones that engage visitors in discussions regardless of their background or abilities, aligning with the "design for all" principle to create a universally accessible experience. The insect habitats follow simple, replicable blueprints.
Results in relation to category
The project demonstrated to a big public how the big topic of biodiversity loss is at stake at the moment if we don’t handle now and that we should stop talking about things that don’t matter, like the colour of a flower. By provoking the audience with this topic, it raises awareness of implementing more green into our cities and surroundings and giving more education to everyone about this topic.
By creating a fully dismountable, sustainable, locally sourced garden, this project addresses that wilder green can be perceived beautiful and highlights the importance of adapting plants according to its local place….
By creating a fully dismountable, sustainable, locally sourced garden, this project addresses that wilder green can be perceived beautiful and highlights the importance of adapting plants according to its local place….
How Citizens benefit
The project proposal has been selected by a jury of professionals but also local figures, giving a voice to inhabitants and municipalities.
The display was very public, shared through local media and press releases, provoking reactions and debates.
The display was very public, shared through local media and press releases, provoking reactions and debates.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Artistic Sustainability Fusion: Unlike traditional public gardens or conservation initiatives, this project merges art and sustainability. It transforms a garden into a thought-provoking work of art that conveys a critical message about biodiversity while showcasing sustainable practices.
Biodiversity Communication: While many initiatives focus on the physical conservation of biodiversity, this project stands out by emphasizing the communication of biodiversity's importance. It engages visitors in a discourse about preservation and action, transcending the mere display of greenery.
Sustainable Material Use: The project's use of 100% biobased and biodegradable materials, alongside repurposed components, demonstrates an innovative approach in sustainable design. This goes beyond mere sustainability by showcasing resource efficiency and circular economy principles. Notably, the megaphones were developed with a groundbreaking material created by Omlab in the Netherlands, derived from waste water and cellulose. This fully circular biobased material sets a remarkable precedent for sustainable design.
Community-Centric Impact: The project's long-term community engagement strategy, involving schools and associations in distributing insect hotels and transplants, is distinctive. It transforms the garden's impact from a temporary display into a long-lasting community initiative.
Biodiversity Communication: While many initiatives focus on the physical conservation of biodiversity, this project stands out by emphasizing the communication of biodiversity's importance. It engages visitors in a discourse about preservation and action, transcending the mere display of greenery.
Sustainable Material Use: The project's use of 100% biobased and biodegradable materials, alongside repurposed components, demonstrates an innovative approach in sustainable design. This goes beyond mere sustainability by showcasing resource efficiency and circular economy principles. Notably, the megaphones were developed with a groundbreaking material created by Omlab in the Netherlands, derived from waste water and cellulose. This fully circular biobased material sets a remarkable precedent for sustainable design.
Community-Centric Impact: The project's long-term community engagement strategy, involving schools and associations in distributing insect hotels and transplants, is distinctive. It transforms the garden's impact from a temporary display into a long-lasting community initiative.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The project in itself is at the crossroads of architecture, landscape design and horticulture. The design and construction team were composed of an architect, an engineer, a landscape designer, an environmental microbiologist and an horticulture student.
We partnered with circular biobased material producers, local nurseries and woodworkers.
The fields highlighted by the project are nature-inclusive design, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptive landscapes.
We partnered with circular biobased material producers, local nurseries and woodworkers.
The fields highlighted by the project are nature-inclusive design, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptive landscapes.
Methodology used
The project relies on storytelling, it begins with a clear conceptualization of its core message and objectives, which are centered around biodiversity conservation, sustainability, community engagement, and artful communication.
Plant Selection: Native plant species are carefully selected based on their suitability for the local ecosystem, low maintenance requirements, and their provision of natural nesting materials for wildlife. This approach aligns with ecological principles and sustainable landscaping.
Sustainable Material Use: All structures, including pathways, insect hotels, and megaphones, are constructed using 100% biobased and biodegradable materials. Many of these materials are repurposed, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. The innovative material used in the megaphones, developed by Omlab, is particularly noteworthy for its circular biobased properties.
Visual and Interactive Design: The design is intentionally structured to create a visually striking garden with two contrasting colors, strategically placed insect habitats, and facing megaphones to engage visitors in discussions and reflection.
Community Engagement: Local schools and associations are involved in the distribution of insect hotels and the transplanting of plants. This approach ensures that the project has a long-term impact on the community and fosters a sense of ownership.
Title and Message: The project's title and critical message are integral components, emphasizing the importance of action for biodiversity preservation. This message is conveyed not only through the garden's design but also through the interactive element of the facing megaphones.
Plant Selection: Native plant species are carefully selected based on their suitability for the local ecosystem, low maintenance requirements, and their provision of natural nesting materials for wildlife. This approach aligns with ecological principles and sustainable landscaping.
Sustainable Material Use: All structures, including pathways, insect hotels, and megaphones, are constructed using 100% biobased and biodegradable materials. Many of these materials are repurposed, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. The innovative material used in the megaphones, developed by Omlab, is particularly noteworthy for its circular biobased properties.
Visual and Interactive Design: The design is intentionally structured to create a visually striking garden with two contrasting colors, strategically placed insect habitats, and facing megaphones to engage visitors in discussions and reflection.
Community Engagement: Local schools and associations are involved in the distribution of insect hotels and the transplanting of plants. This approach ensures that the project has a long-term impact on the community and fosters a sense of ownership.
Title and Message: The project's title and critical message are integral components, emphasizing the importance of action for biodiversity preservation. This message is conveyed not only through the garden's design but also through the interactive element of the facing megaphones.
How stakeholders are engaged
Throughout the selection procedure, various stakeholders have been involved from choosing the project up to the realization of the project. Creating a competition garden on a hypothetical site, the project had to be adapted to the local conditions of the city of Menton. While improving the design, both the municipality of Menton was involved, helping with questions about the construction of the garden, the deliveries arriving on the right time and location and the maintenance and plant selection. The organization helped improve the accessibility and design features, being more though for not getting stolen from a local point. During the construction we got linked to an apprentice from a local horticultural school, helping us construct the garden faster and giving many tips on how to make the garden look better.
Prior to the construction, the design process was done from the Netherlands, working with local partners on the 3d printed megaphones and after transported to France. A good connection between Rotterdam and the city of Menton was therefore established.
Prior to the construction, the design process was done from the Netherlands, working with local partners on the 3d printed megaphones and after transported to France. A good connection between Rotterdam and the city of Menton was therefore established.
Global challenges
Climate change and the loss of biodiversity is a global issue at the moment and is written about in any media platform daily. By addressing this with an almost ironic concept, it created a dialogue between its users which also translated into the local politicians. The South of France is well known for its luxurious lifestyle with many cities being very mineral. By implementing even a small piece of green with a message, it created an instant effect of the visitors saying it was a great contribution and the whole region of the Côte d’Azur should implement this. The region has a high drought problem and implementing green with plants that are drought resistant and even tolerant, highlights that we need to change the way of using green in public spaces and adapt schemes according to the local conditions. The plant selection has been executed extensively with local suppliers and we made changes throughout the whole process to select the best species for the local conditions.
Learning transferred to other parties
The project addresses various way of being replicated to other places. By collaborating with Omlab, we experimented with the durability of the 3d printed megaphones, the way the material can be used outside and how long it can be used. Based on the evaluation of 6 months, the composition of the biobased 3d material was adapted by the company and therefore improved its results.
The concept of raising awareness of the loss of biodiversity will get home in people’s thoughts. By showing that insect hotels can be a nice addition to anyone’s garden or in the public space and the simplicity this can be done, visitors were tempted to bring this concept at home and to it themselves. Because of the public space of the project, many visitors requested ideas for insect hotels at home so they can do it themselves.
The insect hotels were transferred to local schools, creating learning materials for the classes of teaching about biodiversity and how we can improve it.
Setting out the right angles for the anamorphosis, the optical illusion, was quite difficult, but was widely praised by the jury’ critiques, more so with the question how they can implement this in other garden festivals around Europe to provoke a dialogue.
Working with local manufacturers and getting in touch with many businesses getting rid of their ‘waste’, the connections can sustain by using someones waste and transforming it into insect hotels. This should be an inspiration for anyone and proves it can be beautiful if constructed properly.
The apprentice that helped constructing the garden was very excited with the outcome of it and reflected she got very inspired by the motivation of being sustainable and biobased, topics she can take back into her education and after her projects.
The concept of raising awareness of the loss of biodiversity will get home in people’s thoughts. By showing that insect hotels can be a nice addition to anyone’s garden or in the public space and the simplicity this can be done, visitors were tempted to bring this concept at home and to it themselves. Because of the public space of the project, many visitors requested ideas for insect hotels at home so they can do it themselves.
The insect hotels were transferred to local schools, creating learning materials for the classes of teaching about biodiversity and how we can improve it.
Setting out the right angles for the anamorphosis, the optical illusion, was quite difficult, but was widely praised by the jury’ critiques, more so with the question how they can implement this in other garden festivals around Europe to provoke a dialogue.
Working with local manufacturers and getting in touch with many businesses getting rid of their ‘waste’, the connections can sustain by using someones waste and transforming it into insect hotels. This should be an inspiration for anyone and proves it can be beautiful if constructed properly.
The apprentice that helped constructing the garden was very excited with the outcome of it and reflected she got very inspired by the motivation of being sustainable and biobased, topics she can take back into her education and after her projects.
Keywords
Biodiversity
Biobased circular design
Nature-inclusive design
Participation
Awareness
