Project Overview

The installation with a self-sustaining mini-ecosystem is located at the core area of the ground floor of the NEXUS, a pioneering low-carbon community commercial space in Shanghai. It is an innovative creation that integrates low-carbon intelligent craftsmanship with ecological aesthetic principles.

Organisation

Hangzhou Plantpow Ecology Landscape Co.,Ltd & Zhejiang Proto Ecological Technology Co.,Ltd

Team

Yongfei Zhang, Ziteng Wang, Guoyong Zhang

Project Brief

The NEXUS community in Shanghai is guided by the core principles of 'Vitality, Low Carbon, Intelligence'. This installation, situated at the center of the ground floor of the community's commercial space, aims to achieve a harmonious integration of nature and technology.

Inspired by nature, the designers have adeptly incorporated the imagery of moss-covered river stones found by the stream in their hometown into the indoor space. Each stone has been meticulously chosen and arranged according to the golden ratio, creating a staggered aesthetic arrangement. This thoughtful layout not only enhances the visual appeal but also fosters a richly layered, interactive, and integrated green ecosystem that encourages engagement with the natural environment.

The self-developed triple-composite soil, which has excellent shaping capabilities and incorporates nutrient mediums, provides robust support for plant vitality and the overall visual appeal of the installation. The incorporation of natural elements also helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being and fostering a closer connection between humans and nature. Additionally, the installation actively explores potential developments in future urban living patterns, serving as a tangible endeavor to enhance spatial quality and improve the overall living experience.

Project Innovation/Need

The plant installation consists of three independent landscape stones, each modeled after naturally shaped stones. The plant configuration follows the principles of natural growth, utilizing the varied textures and shapes of different leaves to create an interactive and cohesive space. Moss and other plants cover the surfaces of the landscape stones, creating a lush and vibrant visual effect. The integration of volcanic rock introduces a striking contrast in color and material, enhancing the overall visual impact.

The installation introduces the 'green visibility' concept, featuring an automated ecosystem with a spraying and misting system. This system establishes a moist environment conducive to the growth of mosses and various plants, creating an indoor mini-ecosystem. The self-sustaining system can uphold the ecological balance of the installation, minimizing manual intervention while enhancing ecological quality and showcasing the distinctive allure of natural micro-ecosystems.

The project employs a self-developed triple-composite soil that demonstrates excellent shaping capabilities, enabling its application as a plant growth substrate, even on vertical surfaces with 90 degrees. This soil incorporates nutrient mediums that support the growth activity of mosses and other plants.

The atrium-style space layout allows for the natural introduction of outdoor light, meeting the light requirements of the plants and fostering positive interaction with the surrounding natural environment.

Design Challenge

Ensuring that the plants within the installation grow naturally and healthily while maintaining the aesthetics and environmental friendliness of the setup was a significant design challenge. The plants require suitable conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity, which are often difficult to naturally meet in indoor spaces. The atrium design, with its transparent glass roof, introduces natural light, providing adequate growing conditions for the plants.

The integrated spraying and misting system ensures a moist environment for the moss and other plants, forming an indoor mini-ecosystem. This self-sustaining maintenance system reduces human intervention and maintains ecological balance. The self-developed triple-composite soil serves as the growth medium, providing necessary nutrients and support.

Sustainability

The plant installation creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that helps the community achieve its energy-saving goals, aiming to reduce around 5,052 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually—equivalent to the offset from 250,000 mature trees, showcasing the profound practice of a low-carbon lifestyle. It utilizes a self-developed triple-composite soil for resource-efficient expanded application of natural edge finishing in architectural or interior decorative materials. The project also highlights the harmony between humanity and nature, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development by integrating natural elements.