Beetween Us :
Modular Beehomes for Urban Spaces
Group Project: Conor McArthur, Natalia Patarroyo, Illaria Pirro, Asia Volpi, Zhilin Zhang | Politecnico di Milano April 2023
Group Project: Conor McArthur, Natalia Patarroyo, Illaria Pirro, Asia Volpi, Zhilin Zhang | Politecnico di Milano April 2023
Exhibited at:
New European Bauhaus, April 2024
New European Bauhaus, April 2024
Project Overview
Between Us is a project designed to support solitary bees—essential pollinators that live independently and often nest in small urban cavities. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees don’t form colonies, yet they play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. These modular bee homes, made from natural clay, blend seamlessly into urban landscapes, creating safe, eco-friendly habitats in public spaces. Between Us not only provides nesting options but also raises awareness of the crucial role of pollinators and the need for sustainable urban habitats to protect these declining bee populations.
Key Design Features
- Modular System: Between Us is designed as a flexible, scalable system. Its modularity allows for various combinations and arrangements, adapting easily to different urban locations and creating diverse surface patterns.
- Urban Camouflage: Constructed with clay and finished to complement urban aesthetics, Between Us integrates seamlessly into city infrastructure without disrupting the environment.
- Cost-Effective Production: Using clay extrusion—a simple, low-cost process suited to mass production—these beehomes are affordable and efficient to produce, making them a practical choice for government-funded public spaces.
Material and Manufacturing
- Clay Extrusion: Chosen for its suitability for mass production, low cost, and versatility, clay extrusion is ideal for creating durable, weatherproof modules that meet the needs of public space design.
- Simple Fixing Mechanism: With a straightforward mounting system, Between Us modules can be installed on a variety of flat surfaces, making it easy to implement in diverse urban settings.
Project Goals
- To support solitary bees by creating modular, eco-friendly habitats that fit naturally within urban landscapes.
- To raise awareness about the importance of solitary bees and promote biodiversity in cities.
- To offer a scalable, cost-effective solution that can be adopted in public spaces, organised by governmental entities.