Climate Change-Mimicking Hothouses

We have only five years before 1.5 °C

The Hothouse has been designed by Studio Weave as an installation in the UK that highlights what the effects of climate change would look like in an inviting and educational manner.

The structure is inspired by the Victorian greenhouses that were once quite common in the UK and is capable of achieving a microclimate for supporting tropical vegetation. This identifies what would likely happen in the future if temperatures continue to rise around the world and thus change the kinds of foods that could be grown in the UK. This sounds at first beneficial, but comes as a stark reminder that being able to grow tropical plants in the UK would come as a result of the native regions for these species being too hot and incapable of thriving.

The Hothouse was explained further by Studio Weave Founder Je Ahn who said, "Amid the strangeness of the COVID era of the last few months, reduced human activity has produced what feels like a profound shift in the environment, progressing a much-needed dialogue that will hopefully translate into sustained action and change. We hope this little Hothouse acts as a continual reminder of our fragile relationship with nature while allowing us to rediscover the simple and enriching pleasure of looking after beautiful plants.”