(Archive) The Butterfly Effect

Sustainability as a source of design

The team has jointly used their expertise, drive and creativity to develop a design for a sustainable future. They believe that designs aimed at tackling climate change and biodiversity loss should be nature-inclusive. They chose insects as the starting point for the project as working on the smallest scale can create the biggest impact. Insects are the biological foundation for all ecosystems and an essential link in the food chain. Building a treetop-level crossing for insects can help to restore important natural connective routes. The ‘web over the motorway’ offers a huge surface area on which to generate renewable energy. Thanks to its honeycomb structure, the lightweight crossing can be filled with materials that generate solar energy. The web is modular and can grow in line with technical innovations. Thanks to the double use of space less of the landscape needs to be set aside for solar panels, creating space for biodiversity and food production instead. The Butterfly Effect demonstrates sustainability as a source of design: techniques and esthetics are fully integrated to create an harmonious attractive design. Eye-catching shadow patterns create a unique experience.