Bio-Spaces: Regenerative, Resilient Futures

Curated by environmentally focused media and events platform Planted, in collaboration with Oliver Heath Design Studio, Bio-Spaces plunged visitors into the world of biophilic design, exploring biodiversity and biomimicry in design, as well as biomorphic design, bio-based materials, and bioregenerative design.

“As a species, we are waking up to the simple fact that we are part of nature,” said Oliver Heath Design Studio, Planted’s biophilic design ambassadors and world-renowned experts on nature-based design.

“Human beings thrive in spaces that are in harmony with the natural elements and systems of our planet. As a result, we are starting to reimagine how our spaces can be designed with nature in mind, working with rather than against it, to create healthier, more equitable environments to live in, now and into the future.”

Visitors journeyed through a series of modular gridded ‘islands,’ each exploring a theme pertinent to the concept of nature-informed design and each populated with exemplary case studies and products that derived inspiration and materials from nature and the environment. A multi-sensory approach alongside touches of greenery enhanced the experience, bringing the water-inspired spaces of the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Roca London Gallery into direct dialogue with like-minded projects and products that aimed to reconnect people and spaces with nature.

The first ‘island’ highlighted built environments informed and inspired by nature, such as Henning Larsen’s Biotope, home to the Métropole Européenne de Lille. Derived from the Greek expression for “Place of Life,” the Biotope’s expansive network of terraced gardens, balconies, and bridges served as a habitat for over 65 species of plants, making a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction and local biodiversity.

Mamou-Mani’s digitally designed and fabricated architecture took direct inspiration from botanical genetic coding to create awe-inspiring parametric forms, such as the 2018 Temple Galaxia, designed to be consumed by fire at the 2018 Burning Man Festival. For a long-term project, progressive fashion brand LESTRANGE commissioned Oliver Heath Design Studio to create biophilic guidelines to bring a more nature-based, regenerative approach to their retail spaces, to “bring consumption back in line with the planet.” Fred Rigby Studio translated these guidelines, designing LESTRANGE’s stunning Coal Drops Yard store using non-toxic materials such as Claywork’s render and mycelium bowls, alongside preserved planting and modular, upgradeable, and repairable speakers that played natural soundscapes.

Occupying a separate exhibition ‘island’ were standout products from designers such as Benchmark, whose AYA Collection, created in collaboration with Foster & Partners, was made from solid FSC British-grown ash and finished with low VOC oils for healthy indoor air quality. These natural materials were chosen to promote a restorative and calming environment, while company processes ensured durability and waste elimination were central to design.

Also on display, on a bio-based materials ‘island,’ was a selection of materials that have a positive impact on our interior and exterior environments. Robust, fast-growing crop hemp, which sequesters carbon at an extraordinary rate (15 tons CO₂ per hectare) and whose long plant roots help nourish our topsoil, was turned into a range of corrugated panels by Erthly, while high-quality wool composite Solidwool acted as a sustainable alternative to today’s petrochemical-based structural reinforced plastics and composites. Biomanufacturing research and development company Biohm harnessed fungi to transform food waste or difficult-to-reuse products into construction materials—such as plant-based concrete alternatives—and regenerative products, such as mycelium-based insulation panels.

“We wanted visitors to come away from the exhibition with an understanding of how to apply a more nature-based approach to design,” said Planted’s Deborah Spencer, best known for founding the ground-breaking designjunction show in 2011. “Our intention was to raise awareness of and educate people about the innovative solutions out there, to create a more regenerative-positive outlook. There has never been a more exciting time to align with nature.”

About Planted

Planted promotes design-led, environmentally focused, and socially conscious brands through targeted media content and bespoke live events.

Working exclusively with businesses that place nature and the environment at their core, Planted aims to educate and inspire audiences looking to effect positive environmental change and turn the tide on climate and biodiversity decline.

About Oliver Heath Design

Oliver Heath Design is an industry-leading design consultancy specializing in well-being and biophilic design. Founded in 2003, they passionately believe in design for the well-being of people and the planet.

The studio is a multidisciplinary team of architectural and interior designers, consultants, researchers, and design strategists.

 

 

Image © Temple Galaxia by Mamou Mani Architects

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Please note, photography or video recording is currently not permitted at Roca London Gallery.