Climate Device Installation Unveiled at New York Botanical Garden

Syracuse University architecture professors Hermine Demaël and Stephen Zimmerer have introduced a novel installation titled “Greenhouse Prototype 2” at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Located within the iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, this “climate device” is designed to create and sustain a specific micro-environment for plant life.

A Collaborative Effort

The project, a result of a year-long research initiative called “Evolving with Plants,” was developed in collaboration with Dr. Evelyn Beaury, an assistant curator at NYBG. The installation is situated in Glass House 3, a section renowned for its striking glass dome. “Greenhouse Prototype 2” is a lightweight, mobile structure built upon an existing aluminum greenhouse frame.

Function and Design

The device functions by providing shade, passive airflow, and utilizing misting pumps to support its internal micro-environment. A significant “research drawing” is draped from the aluminum frame, featuring illustrations inspired by Dr. Douglas Daly, a curator of Amazonian botany at NYBG. These illustrations were created in conjunction with NYBG’s in-house scientists. Perforated aluminum screens integrated into the structure reflect the glass roof of Glass House 3, creating a visual dialogue with the surrounding architecture.

Emphasis on Reused Materials

The designers highlighted their commitment to environmental responsibility by utilizing reused materials. “We find that beginning with reused materials is not only environmentally responsible, but provides a productive design challenge,” Demaël and Zimmerer stated in a joint release. This approach aligns with contemporary architectural practices that prioritize sustainability.

Connecting with the Conservatory’s Architecture

Demaël explained that placing the installation at visitors’ eye level aims to draw attention to the architectural marvel of the Haupt Conservatory itself. The goal is to emphasize the intricate materials, details, and systems that are meticulously maintained by the NYBG staff on a daily basis. The design also seeks to echo the principles of early botanical conservatories, which were often inspired by the structural properties found in nature. Simultaneously, it acknowledges the evolving scales and narratives within modern scientific practice.

Exhibition Details and Support

“Greenhouse Prototype 2” will be on display through October 5, 2026. The project received crucial support from The Architectural League of New York and the New York State Council on the Arts. This installation is part of a broader engagement with NYBG, as Weiss/Manfredi is concurrently undertaking a redesign of NYBG’s museum complex, Mosholu entrance, and welcome center, in addition to designing a new education center.

Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|—|—|
| Installation Name | Greenhouse Prototype 2 |
| Designers | Hermine Demaël and Stephen Zimmerer |
| Location | New York Botanical Garden, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Glass House 3 |
| Duration | On view through October 5, 2026 |
| Supporting Organizations | The Architectural League of New York, New York State Council on the Arts |

The installation offers a compelling case study in how architectural interventions can engage with both historical structures and contemporary environmental concerns. For readers of Paionia7, “Greenhouse Prototype 2” demonstrates innovative approaches to design within sensitive ecological contexts and highlights the integration of art, science, and architecture in public spaces.

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper – https://www.archpaper.com/2026/06/climate-device-new-york-botanical-garden/

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