Plant storage – germany
Category: Small but Mighty
Psychological stress management for Zoo animals and Mars travelers with Passalong plants
“Naturopolis” is the Berlin design office of plant/tree broker Andreas Frädrich with the company Plant Storage, which was set up in May 2024.
It is an unusual meeting room with greenery and animal population. Here, scientifically managed zoos, aquariums, animal and wildlife parks as well as space companies are advised on psychological interior landscaping. The space was set up in the form of a tropical station.
The main theme are biophilic design projects with plants that are helpful in providing psychological support, whether for long-term missions to Mars (for human well-being and self-sufficiency) or for a zoo to improve the conditions in which endangered animal species in particular are kept in human care. What can zoos look like that even animal rights activists find species-appropriate? The welfare of animals in zoo and landscape architecture can still be improved. Zoos are constantly criticized and questioned as to their right to exist in animal keeping. Some zoos are therefore focusing on landscape immersion projects and more plant themes, also with regard to “unattractive animals with a visitor effect” (animals do not want to be seen). Humans on long-term missions to Mars could experience a déjà vu like many zoo animals: depression, irritability and feelings of exhaustion are common problems on board of space stations, but living plants can help.
While humans can get a “Martian collapse” (loneliness, boredom, pressure to succeed, little sleep), zoo animals develop stereotypies such as swaying back and forth rythmically or pacing (zoochosis) due to a lack of stimulation. Here, too, the use of natural plants improves the situation. Recent studies have shown that celestial greenhouses – as originally illustrated in many fictional stories – would be exposed to too much radiation on Mars, which would be detrimental to plant growth and humans. Underground projects (catacombs) are therefore an option. This involves not only optimal lighting concepts and maintenance systems, which must be very light (space transportation) and rooms that are “printed”, but also positive psychological effects of plants that cannot be printed for the inhabitants: How do plants have to function in order to maintain a positive mood in the long term and not become annoying at some point? Various factors are important to make plants suitable for outer space: in addition to the aforementioned radiation tolerance, gravity, vacuum, substrates, dryness, extreme temperatures, light and climate fluctuations also play a role.
Zoos of the future could become a blueprint for Mars missions. A lack of space will link Mars missions and zoos, as well as the entire planet Earth in the future, as the population continues to grow rapidly. Zoo designers believe it is right that zoo facilities continue to specialize in ex-situ breeding programs. Until now, visitors have been told to expect large animals in small rooms at the zoo. However, the trend is towards small, active, exciting animals such as many invertebrates, insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles from species conservation programs.
Species that are threatened with extinction in the wild and are shown and explained in large, spectacular enclosures with authentic plants and faithful reproductions of the habitats, even underground. And people are in the middle of it all. Many rare and newly discovered animal species are still so spectacular that they could immediately play a role in a “Jurassic Park” movie.
This fascination with intact mini-worlds to lift the spirits was the concept for the Naturopolis office design. We can ask people if they want to fly to Mars. Animals have to endure their fate. We are therefore doing our very best to preserve a paradise on earth.
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