IE University students present horse-mounted seed dispersal system and flood-adaptive interiors

IE University students have developed a series of design and architecture projects that address ecological restoration, healthcare environments, and climate resilience. The projects were featured in this year’s Dezeen School Shows, a platform that highlights emerging talent from architecture and design programs worldwide.

Among the most notable is a portable structure designed to be used on horseback for dispersing native seeds across degraded landscapes. The system is built from natural materials and aims to support ecological regeneration in areas where conventional machinery cannot easily operate. The project responds to the growing need for low-impact, low-tech solutions for landscape restoration, particularly in regions with sensitive soils or limited infrastructure.

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Another project reimagines hospital interiors by drawing on the logic of greenhouses. The design uses transparent and semi-transparent materials, natural ventilation strategies, and integrated planting to create healing environments that prioritize daylight, air quality, and visual connection to nature. The concept aligns with evidence-based design principles that link patient recovery rates to access to natural light and greenery.

A third project proposes a flood-adaptive interior layer that can be retrofitted into existing homes located in flood-risk areas. The system consists of modular, water-resistant panels and adjustable seals that can be deployed during flooding events, allowing residents to protect ground-floor living spaces without permanent structural changes. The design addresses a pressing issue for communities facing increased flood risk due to climate change and urban development in floodplains.

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The projects reflect a broader trend in architecture education toward addressing real-world environmental and social challenges. IE University, based in Madrid and Segovia, has positioned its architecture and design programs around interdisciplinary approaches that combine technical skills with environmental awareness and social impact.

For the horse-mounted seed dispersal system, the student team conducted field research in degraded landscapes where traditional seeding equipment cannot be used due to terrain or ecological sensitivity. The resulting design is lightweight, collapsible, and constructed from locally sourced materials such as wood, natural fibers, and biodegradable binders. The system attaches to a horse’s saddle and releases seeds at controlled intervals as the animal moves across the landscape.

The hospital interior project emerged from a collaboration with healthcare professionals who identified a gap between clinical efficiency and patient well-being. The design proposes a modular system of glazed partitions, indoor plant walls, and adjustable shading devices that can be adapted to different medical departments. The greenhouse analogy extends to the use of passive climate control, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfortable conditions for patients and staff.

The flood-adaptive interior layer was developed in response to increasing flood events in Spain and other Mediterranean regions. The system uses lightweight composite panels that can be stored flat and deployed quickly when flood warnings are issued. Seals around doors and windows prevent water ingress, while the panels themselves are designed to be removed and reused after the flood recedes. The project emphasizes affordability and ease of installation, making it accessible to homeowners without specialized construction knowledge.

All three projects were completed as part of IE University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs in architecture, interior design, and product design. They were selected for the Dezeen School Shows based on their originality, technical rigor, and relevance to contemporary design challenges.

Source: Dezeen – Horse-mounted ecological regeneration system among projects by IE University (https://www.dezeen.com/2026/09/14/horse-mounted-ecological-regeneration-system-ie-university-schoolshows/)