POLINATURE

A Plug-In Public Space to Address Climate Change in Cities

Smart Pot is proud to be a part of a groundbreaking climate change project at Harvard University! Polinature, a massive structure standing at 36 feet tall, aims to create an urban oasis where humans and nature can coexist and combat the effects of climate change. This innovative design utilizes over 300 Smart Pots to hold a staggering 3,600 gallons of soil, providing a haven for more than 1,400 native plants, animals, and especially endangered bumblebees – crucial pollinators in our fight against climate change. Polinature tackles environmental challenges head-on, improving local air quality, regulating temperatures, and mitigating humidity in urban spaces. This project showcases the power of sustainable design and collaboration, offering a blueprint for replicating such positive environmental impacts across entire cities.

Learn More On The Official Polinature Website

POLINATURE.COM

The Smart Pot Difference

When Belinda Tato, Associate Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design approached Smart Pots, we were excited to contribute our expertise and innovative solutions. Polinature required a unique growing container that could be suspended from metal cables while supporting the weight of soil and plants. Smart Pot, as the only 100% American-made fabric growing container manufacturer, was uniquely positioned to meet this challenge.

Our team of experts worked closely with Ecosistema Urbano to design custom Smart Pots that could withstand the specific demands of the project. The result was a series of 10 and 15-gallon Smart Pots, equipped with robust straps and loops to securely attach them to the scaffolding. These custom containers were filled with a carefully selected mix of native plants to attract pollinators and improve local climate comfort.

Smart Pot’s Geotextile Fabric played a crucial role in the success of this project. It provided the necessary strength and durability to support the weight of the soil and plants, while also allowing for optimal root growth and aeration. This innovative fabric technology, combined with our custom manufacturing capabilities, enabled us to create a truly unique solution for Harvard’s climate change initiative.

About This Project

Polinature is a temporary installation funded by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University under its Climate Change Solutions Fund. Polinature will be hosted on Harvard’s campus from mid-August 2024 to mid-September 2024. All components will be disassembled and reused at a later date. All plant species and grow bags will be distributed throughout the Cambridge community.

Polinature has been designed by Belinda Tato [Associate Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design], Jose Luis Vallejo and their studio Ecosistema Urbano. Polinature is an evolution of projects and research previously conducted by Ecosistema Urbano. Earlier versions of this line of work include the EcoBoulevard in Madrid, Spain; the Air-Tree in Shanghai, China; and Cloudroom in Columbus, Indiana, USA.

“We thank the Harvard Graduate School of Design, including Dean and Josep Lluís Sert Professor of Architecture Sarah Whiting; Gary Hilderbrand, Chair of the Landscape Department and Peter Louis Hornbeck Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture; Ali Malkawi, Founding Director of the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities where Polinature is hosted; the GSD Building Facilities team; the FabLab team; and the GSD Communication Department. Additionally we would like to extend our gratitude towards Anne Matthew of the Research Administration Department and Alla Armstrong of the Academic Administration Business Office for their continued support. A special thanks to George Sarrinikolaou, James H. Stock and members of the Salata institute for their continuous support throughout the process and for funding Polinature. We also express our gratitude to the GSD Design Innovation Grant committee for providing us with additional funding.”

Belinda Tato, Associate Professor in Practice of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design

Polinature In The News

ArchDaily | Broadcasting Architecture Worldwide

Architects Belinda Tato and Jose Luis Vallejo of Ecosistema Urbano have designed a plug-in public space designed to address the effects of climate change in ill-equipped urban environments. Titled Polinature, the installation has been funded by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard, and is now installed in the backyard of the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities.

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Dezeen | Architecture and Design Magazine

Madrid architecture studio Ecosistema Urbano has created a modular tower with inflatable awnings and stacks of native plants to mitigate the effects of climate changein urban areas. Polinature is a temporary installation located on the grounds of Harvard University to demonstrate a “short-term strategy that instantly generates biodiversity and climate comfort”.

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The Arts Fuse | Boston’s Premier Online Arts Magazine

Whether or not Mark Twain actually said it, the sentiment is right on when it comes to the challenges posed by the climate crisis and the worsening global environment. To paraphrase, “Everybody talks about climate change, carbon footprints, and environmental deterioration, but nobody seems to do much about it.” Of course, there are inspiring exceptions

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