THE SILVAESIUM: A LIVING RESEARCH CENTRE FOR FOREST REGENERATION

The Silvaeum is a facility located in Epping Forest that aims to increase biodiversity and educate the public about their local forest biome. Its design integrates habitats and fosters biodiversity in an effort to restore what the Anthropocene has paved over and, through new technologies and public collaboration, strives to unite people and nature. Strategically placed throughout the forest, EcoNodes function as mobile data hubs that rely on public intervention to collect samples alongside an app where the forest can be documented. Drones help survey the forest and transport samples back to the facility. This encourages people to take a closer look where they might not have before and brings the community together to enjoy nature and contribute to its revival. The Ecotone façade employs deciduous foliage, serving as both a protective barrier against the elements and a habitat for wildlife. It offers shade during summer and sun in winter while blending the building with the surroundings. The Silvaeum aims to reconnect the public to nature by encouraging data collection while being present in their environment. Its mission is to comprehend and support the flourishing of ecosystems within the forest and further our research into how our planet works.