Erin Middelkoop Spatial Design

How we can give plants a better life in agriculture?

What is the value systems of plants?

How can we break free from the mechanistic view of our vegetal friends?

What counts as “destruction of a plant in an arbritrary way”?

Koechlin’s research decided that in order to help retain the dignity of plants they should have some degree of independence regarding their adaptation and propogation, as well as the survival of their own species. In Tasman St there is almost complete independence for plants to grow and propogate.

Through a series of experiments, Novoplansky and his crew prove the sharing of information via root systems from stressed plants to their neighbours, and their neighbours’ neighbours.

Stomata open and close to absorb CO2 and expel O2. This process also allows water to evaporate in times of oversaturation. When stressed, either by unwanted chemicals in the soil or air, or by drought conditions, stressed plants will close their stomata and send warnings about what is happening to their neighbours. What was incredible was the distance that this information was shared - through 5 plants connected via one root system.

This information is remembered too. When tested again with prolonged drought conditions, neighbour plants were able to prepare in time to stay green.

Collage of a design idea for intervention 2