SOLD OUT Claire Martin (OCULUS): Pollinator Pads Research Project with Monash University + Tony Smith.

House Show exhibition viewing including pop-up talk: Claire Martin (OCULUS): Pollinator Pads Research Project with Monash University + Tony Smith.

The Monash University Pollinator Pads Research Project is a response to the continued decline of bee populations. It has never been more important to design spaces, places and infrastructure to create opportunities for native insects and bees to pollinate local plants. Monash University conducted initial ecological campus investigations to determine the existing broad taxonomic classifications, and more specific target species and taxa. The needs of the pollinators were established including their foraging, nesting and burrowing behaviours, micro-climates and proximities, as well as potential nesting plants and materials and threats. From there OCULUS researched what insect hotels have been proven to be effective globally, and ultimately established what bees need. The resultant patent pending design was developed with Monash University and fabricator Tony Smith. It was then prototyped and deployed in the field and is intended to be replicable and affordable through mass production using recycled plastics.

OCULUS is a cross disciplinary design studio committed to connecting people with their environment and each other. Their projects contribute to the public life of cities and combine high levels of amenity with ecological sustainability. OCULUS’ design thinking is based on their understanding of ecological and hydrological systems, to ensure that constructed landscapes are locally and climatically appropriate and curated in a way to best promote ecosystem services.

Claire Martin is an associate director at OCULUS.  Through her work with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), Claire has championed Climate Positive Design.  She is passionate about design advocacy, landscape communication, and education, and is a member of the Office of the Victorian Design Review Panel, a contributor to Landscape Architecture Australia, and a regular guest lecturer at the University of Melbourne and RMIT University.

Monash University creates campus ecosystems that support nature, contribute to positive biodiversity outcomes and mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. The Nature+ strategy brings into focus their campuses complex web of natural systems, to understand the many layers which used to and currently exist, and to help bring forgotten layers back to life by expressing them in the landscape – to increase ecology, helping better understand Country and bring us closer to nature.

Before your visit, please note:

– Attendees must be 16 years and over.
– No external food or drink is permitted.
– Large bags and backpacks will need to be checked in at entry.
– Stiletto or pointed heels are not permitted due to our cork flooring.
– Tickets are refundable up to 72 hours prior to the event.
– Tickets may be exchanged as long as the purchaser advises us of the new attendee’s name via email.

We offer discounted tickets to RBF Friends and Boyd Circle members – support the Foundation and join today.

Image courtesy of OCULUS.