Project: BeeBench
Author: Christian Bolognini, Samantha Culicchi
This project reimagines the typical urban planter as a micro-habitat for pollinators, a circular design object, and a tool for public engagement.
While aesthetically pleasing and contextualized in Milan’s urban fabric, BeeBench is primarily ecological in function.
BeeBench is a modular planter system designed to support urban nature by creating small habitats for bees and other pollinators. Developed within the YouRban project, it combines sustainability, craftsmanship, and floral expertise to help make cities more welcoming to biodiversity. Using recycled materials and pollinator-friendly planting, it transforms everyday urban spaces into living ecosystems.
The project was created by Christian, a carpenter, and Samantha, a florist, who joined forces through the YouRban open call. Motivated by the theme of sustainable living, they combined their skills to design a solution that protects essential pollinators in a dense urban context like Milan.
More than a planter, BeeBench functions as a small urban ecosystem with ecological, social, and educational value. Intended for both municipalities and citizens, it offers a visible way to reintroduce biodiversity into daily life. Made from recycled fibre-reinforced polymers and resin, it highlights the potential of second-life materials as a resource.
The design resulted in two planter sizes that balance durability, functionality, and craftsmanship. The prototypes are water-resistant, handmade, and practical: a lightweight small version and a medium one with integrated handles.
Beyond its form, BeeBench aims to improve urban environments—especially for pollinators—by offering safe places to feed and rest. It encourages awareness of their importance and fosters a closer relationship between people and nature, while demonstrating how design can inspire care and engagement in the city.
