Created for the 2019 BioDesign Challenge, Orchard Oasis was developed by students at the University of Cincinnati as a solution for the rapid decrease in bee populations. At first glance, the Orchard Oasis appears to be a neglected garden cart with boxes and plants growing out of it. Upon closer examination, it is a cart with wooden bee hives containing propolis traps as well as an autograph tree and lavender. This rolling mini ecosystem can be placed in a variety of locations to increase its effectiveness. The combination of these elements was curated to combat the “four p’s” which challenge the bee population highlighted by the University of Cincinnati team, pesticides, pathogens, parasites, and poor nutrition.
Orchard Oasis is a representation of the big impact a small organism has on an environment. This cart contains elements that are essential to keeping our natural environment in balance. It is an example of how little details can make a HUGE impact and that they cannot be ignored. This project can also be interpreted as a tool for sustainability and supplementation. It can be implemented in a variety of environments both big and small. Cities and farms can use this project to create change on a global level one step at a time. Through Orchard Oasis everyone can make a difference in their community.
https://www.stickyinnovation.com/biodesign-challenge-2019.html
https://biodesignchallenge.org/university-of-cincinnati
Art & Sustainability 