Fold-out urban garden concept brings nature to the smallest of spaces

The garden kit concept supports a hydroponic garden complete with solar panels, charging ports, a workstation and more

Spotted: For individuals and organisations alike, finding new ways to incorporate greenery into everyday living is a near-constant project. Making the most of tiny spaces often creates additional challenges. Italian architectural firm Piuarch is tackling this challenge with its urban gardener’s survival kit. The kit is a fold-out structure that expands vertically to provide an array of different functions and spaces.  

Designed as part of Wallpaper* Magazine’s Re-made exhibition for Milan Design Week 2021, the garden kit concept supports a hydroponic garden complete with solar panels, charging ports, a workstation, chairs and even room to store a yoga mat. The team behind the design is considering a range of materials, with two possibilities being recyclable biocomposites and smart packaging. The company is also seeking expressions of interest from potential manufacturing partners.  

Rewilding is another aspect of the broader movement trying to re-green swathes of the world, and Springwise has spotted a project that is building super dense mini forests. At the other end of the scale of size are ambitious urban redevelopment plans such as those in the UK and Amsterdam that are striving for a complete rejuvenation of industrial areas that have fallen into disuse or disrepair.  

Explore more: Work and Lifestyle | Sustainability