Re-Leaf: A Revolutionary Approach to Urban Greenery

LAFA Industrial Design School's Innovative Solution to Fallen Leaves

The concept of Re-Leaf was born out of the observation that Mother Nature always knows best. In nature, fallen leaves decompose and provide nutrients to the trees, a process that is often disrupted in urban settings. The design team saw an opportunity to harness this natural process and use it to benefit urban trees. The Re-Leaf tree pool is designed to collect and compost fallen leaves, providing a nutrient-rich environment for the tree to thrive.

What sets Re-Leaf apart from other tree pool designs is its unique three-dimensional space. This space, formed by the tree pool, allows the leaves to decompose naturally, providing a constant supply of nutrients to the tree. The design is not only practical but also sustainable, promoting ecological balance in urban areas.

The Re-Leaf tree pool is produced using cast iron molding technology, ensuring durability and longevity. The design is modular, consisting of four identical parts that can be easily assembled. With dimensions of 1300mm in width and depth and a height of 250mm, the tree pool is compact yet spacious enough to accommodate a substantial amount of leaves.

The project was initiated in April 2015 in the LAFA Communal Facility Design Studio and completed in August 2016 at the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Industrial Design in LAFA. The design team, consisting of Xue Wenkai, Sun Jian, Du Heli, Xue Bomu, and Dai Guanrong, faced challenges in finding a material that was both hard and ductile. After numerous tests, they finally settled on a material that met their requirements.

Re-Leaf's innovative approach to urban greenery has not gone unnoticed. The design was awarded the Silver A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade that recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs. The award is a testament to the design's outstanding expertise and innovation, as well as its contribution to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.