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The eco design project "Cella"

The product that creates the ideal habitat for the growth of plants in the city

Cella is a new, creative product designed to bring urban people closer to nature. It is specially constructed of flexible, lightweight plastic to house moss and small plants. Cella creates a microclimate that allows them to thrive both indoors and outdoors. It is also uniquely adaptable in that it can be attached to walls and roofs, or simply stand alone. This portable, self-contained habitat comes in different sizes and can be linked with other units.

Based on advanced understanding about moss, ecoid team developed Cella from a green roof research project called “Mosspebble” at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Because moss gathers all of its nutrients from the air, it requires certain levels of wind, shade and moisture. However, it doesn’t need soil. Instead, the students observed that moss seems to thrive on rocks and pebbles – their porous surfaces are perfect for growth. This inspired Cella’s unique design. After four years of careful observation and modification, we’ve perfected it to the lightweight, contemporary model. The sizes and shapes are carefully considered in order to create heterogeneous environment for moss to be adapted successfully.

As our world expands, its components are becoming infinitely small. While they are becoming smaller, the modes of operation have become incredibly smart in adapting holistic systems into the variety of environment. By utilizing small units that let heterogeneous adaptations happen in environment and experience, Cella explores new means and narratives in response to the contemporary compacted landscape. It also explores the potential of small in mobility, transferability, economy, and customizations.

Cella is made of UV protected, scratch resistant clear PVC. It also uses a phthalate-free plasticizer, which is safe for all living creatures. These materials enable it to be soft and elastic while still maintaining durability so it can be used time and time again.