Sheltered Ecosystems

This research explores the potential of sheltered ecosystems, examining how to establish thriving, resilient, and aesthetically rich ecological environments across diverse climate conditions. These range from semi-sheltered urban spaces to fully heated indoor environments.

Sheltered ecosystems offer not only immersive atmospheres filled with species from some of the world’s most delicate habitats but also valuable and complementary spaces for daily human life. They foster deeper human-nature interactions, integrating natural elements into urban environments—even within our homes. By blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, they challenge conventional notions of where ecosystems belong.

A key focus of this research is the repositioning of humans within ecosystems—not as external observers but as active participants. This shift opens new possibilities for ecological experience and design. The study investigates species combinations, ecosystem health, the integration of non-human life, the qualities these ecosystems offer and the spatial qualities needed to support these ecosystems in built environments.