Max Daalhuizen

Botanical Rebellion

The city is a beautiful exchange between humans and nature. Despite strict management rules and guidelines, flora and fauna thrive and survive in nooks and crannies, where ownership and responsibilities are unclear. These inspiring natural processes, which are in direct opposition to plans and policies, formed the main source of inspiration for my graduation project. 

In this interaction, a new nature emerges in the urban environment, featuring plants and habitats for animals, made possible by the rich variety of conditions and soil types collected by the city's residents. These are places such as vacant lots, guerrilla and rooftop gardens, flowerpots on sidewalks, and windowsills.

These unique places are at risk due to rigid and systematic planning that allows no room for natural processes, seeking to achieve a final image immediately. Plans that do not consider the specific context, resulting in the disappearance of the quality and beauty of natural processes in the city. It is about time that the unique quality and beauty of natural processes in the city receive more attention.

Botanical Rebellion is a call to create more space for natural processes in the city. In Botanical Rebellion, these natural and social values take centre stage. Sensitivity is developed to recognise such places, and conditions are created for the emergence of new nature and social initiatives in the city, where there is significant pressure on public spaces. The focus lies on an active exchange between humans and nature.
As a designer, I create space for humans and nature in this way, encouraging city dwellers to take care of their environment by recognising the value of every stage in natural processes.

Graduation date:: 18 March 2024
Graduation committee: Hanneke Kijne (mentor), Willemijn van Manen, Anna Maria Fink
Additional members for the exam: Ruwan Aluvihare, Jacques Abelman