studiopien

Project 5: Urban Roots
improving biodiversity in Amsterdam
This project really gave me a fresh perspective on the hidden value of everyday nature. Looking at something so small and figuring out how to make it stand out was really fun. It felt amazing to work with others and take a step toward helping people appreciate greenery in the city more. On top of that, collaborating with a diverse group Amsterdam citizens made the process even more insightful and educational.

concept product sketch

concept product use sketch
During the development phase, I worked on a concept that literally gives sidewalk plants a stage in the urban environment. Transparent containers for displaying and maintaining the plants, combined with an exchange system where neighbors can contribute their own plants, were designed and tested. Feedback from residents helped refine the design to enhance usability and engagement.
Through observation and research, I discovered that many residents are unaware of the ecological value of ‘weeds’ (sidewalk plants). This lack of awareness contributes to the routine removal of these plants, which negatively impacts urban biodiversity.

The final result is an interactive installation that makes sidewalk plants visible and valuable in public spaces. The design creates an exchange system that actively involves residents, leading not only to an improved relationship between residents and urban greenery but also to a measurable increase in biodiversity and appreciation for hidden nature
The core problem was defined as: how can we make sidewalk plants visible and appreciated in the urban landscape so that residents recognize their value and contribute to preserving urban biodiversity?
prototype 1: Observing interactions and testing its impact on people's perception of weeds.

