Sanctuaria Aquatica

The return to our surroundings

This project seeks not only to restore the ecosystem, but also to mend our own connection with nature. In our modern Western world, that bond has grown ever weaker. Embracing and practicing lost indigenous traditions, such as willow weaving, can bring us closer once again to our roots and the current natural world around us.

The call to help nature can feel overwhelming in a world full of big problems. That’s why we should focus our attention to what is near. For the hidden “small neighbors” in our own backyards, a small effort can already make a big difference.
Loving locally can rebuild the connection between people and nature.

The design

The knotting willow is a native tree that grows close to water banks. Using willow cuttings as a material keeps the design zero-waste, circular, and alive.
The willow cuttings are prone to sprout again and flourish after being planted. This allows the sanctuaries to grow along with their surroundings.
The woven patterns create a structure with plenty of tight spaces for organisms to inhabit. The top raft of the sanctuary serves as a place for native plants to grow and for indigenous birds and insects to rest.