Eclosion: A Modular Planter and Butterfly Habitat

Creating a Sustainable and Aesthetic Solution for Nature Enthusiasts

The decline of the monarch butterfly population has become a critical concern due to habitat loss and climate change. To address this issue and provide a unique experience for nature enthusiasts, designer Chung Wei Wang has created Eclosion, a modular planter that serves as both a habitat for butterflies and an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture.

Eclosion is designed to serve multiple purposes, providing a habitat for raising butterflies while also functioning as a stylish furniture set. Wang recognized the lack of well-designed butterfly habitat products on the market, which made it challenging for people to observe and appreciate these beautiful creatures. With Eclosion, Wang aims to create an ideal environment for butterflies to thrive and for individuals to observe the natural life cycle up close.

What sets Eclosion apart is its modular design, allowing users to customize the planter to fit their interior design preferences. The units are rotatable and stackable, enabling endless possibilities for creating unique configurations. This versatility makes Eclosion suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, serving as a stunning centerpiece or an eye-catching addition to any garden.

When it comes to sustainability, Eclosion excels. The planter is made from molded recycled wheat plastic, a sustainable material that reduces the use of wood, a significant contributor to climate change. Additionally, the wire used in the product is made of milkweed floss fabric, derived from the monarch butterfly's host plants. This material is created from recycled waste left behind by the butterflies, further emphasizing the environmentally-friendly design of Eclosion. All materials incorporated into the planter are biodegradable and recyclable, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

With dimensions of 300*300*300mm or 300*300*450mm, Eclosion offers flexibility in terms of size and shape. The modular nature of the planter allows users to create various designs and configurations, adapting to different spaces and preferences.

Eclosion not only provides a beautiful habitat for butterflies and plants but also offers an interactive experience for children. It serves as a tool for learning about butterfly rearing and appreciating the beauty of nature. By observing the life cycle of butterflies up close, children can develop a deeper understanding and connection with the natural world.

The development of Eclosion involved extensive research into the decline of the monarch butterfly population. Wang conducted field trips to the monarch butterfly reserve area in Mexico to gain a deeper understanding of the milkweed host plant and butterfly ecology. Interviews with experienced butterfly raisers provided valuable insights into existing habitat products and user experience. The culmination of this research and analysis resulted in the creation of Eclosion, with its customizable features, bio-inspired shapes, and sustainable material choices.

Designing Eclosion came with its fair share of challenges. Wang faced the task of selecting materials that were environmentally friendly and would not harm the butterflies or the planet. The solution was to use wires to create a partly open space within the planter, allowing all the different elements to coexist harmoniously. This design ensures the well-being of butterflies, plants, and children, creating a safe and nurturing environment.

Eclosion was completed in 2023 in New York and has garnered recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Eclosion's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and positive impact on the world contributed to its success.

Eclosion, with its combination of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, is a testament to the power of design in creating a better world. It not only provides a habitat for butterflies but also serves as a source of inspiration and education for individuals of all ages.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: CHUNG WEI WANG
Image Credits: Image#1: Creator, Chung Wei Wang, 2023. Image#2: Creator, Chung Wei Wang, 2023. Image#3: Creator, Chung Wei Wang, 2023. Image#4: Creator, Chung Wei Wang, 2023. Image#5: Creator, Chung Wei Wang, 2023.
Project Team Members: Chung Wei Wang
Project Name: Eclosion
Project Client: CHUNG WEI WANG


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