With the boom of technology, mapping over years and decades roughly from the 80s to an expected eternity, we are both relieved by the comforts Science has brought us and on the flip side, angered by the destruction it has caused. In this era of global technological advancement, we see a lot of people going crazy with the world of electronics, gadgets and automated machines. The robots they make are the robots they seem to have become. However, probably as an inspiration to cut down on this obsession, we have our beloved group of nature lovers who believe that the art of nature, the recreation it offers and the ecological 'green-ness' associated with it is essential for efficient maintenance of the world at large. It is interesting to see how these creative heads have tried to incorporate the beauty of mother Earth in the manmade inventions of technology.
Nature Meets Technology
1. Green House
Green Roofs
No, we are not talking about the green house of ecology, but something as eco friendly. Popularized as the 'Green-Roof', these are houses with roofs covered with plantation on a waterproof base. They may have an additional irrigation system for proper drainage. Container gardens may be created on such roofs, where plants are potted.
With their flora, these roofs help in brilliant sustenance of the environment by their heat absorption capacity, filtering of contaminants especially carbon dioxide and insulation of sound by lowering frequencies of sound waves. They serve an aesthetic floral function as well.
These green tops are native to Scandinavia and may be found on many typical country houses.
2. Grass Ottoman
Grassy Ottoman
The grass Ottoman is a fade resistant plastic resting on a light weight base. It is solid, but not heavy. This piece is typical of a garden but may also be used in the drawing room to give its furniture a fun, quirky twist. It would especially go well if your interiors are contemporary.
Originally seen on the pool side of the Californian Menlo Park, the Ottoman comes from the house of GH design that is a landscape architecture firm. It was designed by Miss Favier.
3. Green jewelry
Wearable Planter
No, we are not referring to emeralds. By green jewelry, we imply the use of grass and other plants in accessories worn by people.
The concept was first used by designer Juliusson. He terms his invention a fusion of jewelry and gardening; of fashion and nature.
Designer Colleen Jordan, too, has done her bit for this creative venture. Her idea is to string small pots around the neck, fill them with warm soil and stylishly sport a green sprout! She calls her creation the ''Wearable Planter''.
4. Two lives in a pot
Flora and Fauna
Sounds like two peas in a pod, doesn't it? Well, this marvelous piece was designed by East Asians Sheng Zhe Feng and Ling Chou.
It is a combination of a planter and fish tank. It is an excellent example of an artificial symbiotic relation between two organisms. The waste created by the fish is rich in organic matter and provides nourishment to the plants and the water given to the plant is filtered and cleaned for the fish.
The soil remains moist and lengthens the watering period and the product's middle layer is the filter layer which serves as the ideal fertilizer for the plant.
5. Grass bed
Green Bed
The grass bed is an actual sleeping bed made of grass. Grass looks pretty inviting and comforting, so kick off the mattress and sleep in the lap of mother nature. Literally.
This product comes in the shape of the usual bed or a star, which can accommodate four people. Though its maintenance can be a problem, the grass bed helps detoxify your room and gives it an out-of-box twist.
6. Grassy flip flops
Green Flip Flops
You want to take a stroll in your lawn. But you cannot for some reason. No worries. With these grassy flip flops, you can take a walk in the garden, in your room. Sounds ironic, but it is true.
It is amazing to note that this footwear was designed by a dough nut Krispy Kreme! It was made as a sort of cafe treat to allow city slickers their own mini recreation, anytime of the day. If watered well, these lovelies can be worn for a period of four months.
7. Branched bookshelf
Metamorphosis
When you think of the typical bookshelf, you might not think of trees. Okay, wood comes to mind at the most. How about a bookshelf inspired by the branches of Ivy?
Designer Sebastian E. designed this handmade shelf called 'Metamorphosis', which is symbolic of a change in the usual construction of a bookshelf and its long branches stand for the growing lust of the voracious reader.
It is made entirely from birch plywood and in the shape of a tree as a stand against deforestation.
8. Green car
Grassy Cars
Well, technically only a bicycle would be fueled by nature, not this car for it probably runs on petrol. However, the exterior of this car is green as it is entirely covered with grass.
When it comes to the green of ecology, the car allows more efficient air conditioning and heat. We still do not know if it was designed for the same purpose though.
9. Green card
Green Business
These business card was designed by Jamie Wieck. It shows a typical card that opens into a pocket, filled with little twigs and leaves.
10. Pooktre chair
The Growing Chair
Peter and Becky got this wild idea of tree shaping and the Pooktre Chair was born. The concept is to actually carve the wood of the tree into the shape of the desired furniture piece and use it as one.