Since 1970, Earth Day has been widely celebrated in more than 192 countries in an effort to raise awareness for environmental protection. We’re celebrating with projects that feature elements of nature in architectural and interior spaces.

7. The Living Water Garden by Elizabeth Damon

Located in China, this design aimed to add some natural beauty into an urban park. Visitors can witness water revitalization by watching the water flow and feed into the surrounding ecosystem. Not only is it beautiful to look at and good for the environment, but it also includes an environmental education center, an amphitheatre, and interactive water sculptures.

6. Tree Mobiles in Four Seasons by Jan R. Carson

By bringing in tree-inspired mobiles to a Colorado hospital, this project is a perfect example of how you can add a touch of nature into an interior space. These mobiles brighten up the room and celebrate nature’s yearlong cycle by representing all four seasons in its design.

5. Ventus Vitae (Winds of Life) by John Luebtow 

In the middle of a busy plaza, this sculpture incorporates wind and water to help nearby pedestrians slow down and appreciate our natural elements. The artist succeeded at creating a feeling of tranquility, peace, and beauty for anyone who encounters this project.

4. The Body of Lake Michigan by Todd Slaughter

 

Passengers at the Chicago Midway Airport can marvel at Lake Michigan’s beauty while waiting for their flight. This suspended blue sculpture was carefully constructed with data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS).

3. Two-Flat Conversion for Young Family by Inspired Interiors

This home is a beautiful celebration of the earth’s natural environment with the use of neutral tones, twigs, flowers, and pops of green. The home also includes several taxidermy pieces, such as antlers and a big horn ram mount, in honor of the owners’ Texas upbringing. The owners of this house have a passion for sustainability and used as many recycled architectural elements as possible.

2. Magic Tree – kinetic wind sculpture by Ralfonso Gschwend

Not only does this tree add beauty to the WuHu International Sculpture Park in China, but it has an intricate storyline that goes along with it. Visitors of the park can learn the story of how the first human touched the first tree. The sculpture also points out that every living tree on earth is different than the next, encouraging respect for our trees and nature in general.

1. The Elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water by Nancy Lovendahl

This artist successfully transformed an abandoned location in Denver, Colorado into a way for residents to honor and reconnect with nature. The names of the elements are engraved into the stone for this four-part installation so that viewers can appreciate and identify the uniqueness of each element.

–Camille Albert