Able to handle twigs, leaves, plant fibers, clay, feathers, and moss, birds are true
designers of nature – which, in turn, has been a master in the theme for at least 3.8 billion years. Today science asserts that if we want to regenerate cities in light of the climate crisis, we need to
awaken the capacity for reconnection and learning with the natural world to design a real and encouraging path towards other possible futures. Prompted by these premises and the theme of CASACOR 2025,
Sow Dreams, the
Marko Brajovic Atelier presents the
Nest, a prototype of an urban equipment serving as a lounge, inspired by the homes of thrushes, yellow-breasted chat, sparrows, parakeets, hummingbirds, jays, and so many others. "These animals are great architects that have always been among us in cities. Our space recognizes them for their beautiful, intelligent, and sensitive designs," says architect Marko Brajovic.
The projects is located at the entrance of
CASACOR São Paulo 2025, next to the ticket counter, in an open area of about 200 m
2 formed by the lounge, the surrounding exhibition area, and landscaping with endemic species from the Atlantic Forest. To enhance the sensory experience and honor
design by nature, the Nest
expands the scale of birds to human proportions. "It has sofas that are like big eggs where we can lie down, observe the sky, see the trees, listen to the sounds," comments Marko, emphasizing the project’s role as a
meeting place.
The team involved included consultations from ornithologists, botanists, and other specialists to study different nests and their shapes, components, strategies, and construction techniques. "The Nest results from
the observation of the boldest and most innovative birds, which use natural elements and even waste to create their refuge with high technology," points out the architect.
The interaction between the organic and the artificial is repeated in the structure of the installation:
reforestation pine and grafts of extruded recycled plastic sheets. The latter contains information that integrates the exhibition Animal Architects, about species that inhabit the park, and terms that communicate the concept of the proposal, such as resilience, ecology, and coexistence. "We want to provoke a reflection on the new ecology of the Anthropocene, which accepts the confluence of materials and universes," he adds.
The future begins now
The idea aligns with the concept of
forest-city, which the Atelier has been promoting for some time, including in a partnership with CASACOR during the
launch of this year's shows theme. For Marko, the fact that the São Paulo edition will take place in 2025 at Parque da Água Branca brings the possibility of, through the Nest, enhancing and landing in the present part of this dream for the future:
to see urban parks overflowing into the entire city, in a multisensory interface where multiple species connect, learn together, implement biomimetic technology, and safeguard the biodiversity and well-being of all. "My dream is that people can see this lounge as an object that
came from the forest-cities of tomorrow. We have envisioned many dystopias à la Black Mirror [TV series], but if we dream together we can create
green mirrors with
ingredients that are already here: ancestral wisdom, forests, creativity, diversity, love, collaboration, courage, irreverence, and poetry."
Agenda during the exhibition
The Nest will host a series of lectures and educational conversations during the event, becoming a kind of "arena" for
talks and a meeting point for outings into the natural surroundings of Parque da Água Branca. The conversations will gather a group of 20 people per speaker and will last 1h10, of which:
- 10 min | Welcome at the NEST space
- 15 min | Opening: Presentations of the theme by each speaker
- 30 min | Guided sensory trail in Parque da Água Branca
- 15 min | Closing at the Nest space
Check below the agenda for upcoming talks at the Nest space: | 31/05 | Jorge Forager | Sensory Botany | The conversation will address aspects of biodiversity in urban projects and explain how our senses can be tools for relating to flora and fungi. The proposal also includes an invitation to listen and be present during a moment of conscious breathing or sensory anchoring, using natural elements such as leaves, bark, or sounds around. |
| 07/06 | Luís da Mata | The proposal is to connect the natural design of birds, their behaviors, and how architecture can interact with the biodiversity of the space. |
| 14/06 | Nik Sabey and Clarice Borian | What does a Tree want from us? | Participants are invited to imagine a possible city where green is the protagonist, also envisioning a quality they would like to see more present in the world we live in. Then each participant will be guided to embroider that word on a dry leaf. The conversation will end with a walk in the park, placing the embroidered words on the trees with the intention of seeing all these qualities vibrating this newly imagined reality. |
| 21/06 | Thais Raiz and Amanda Ramos | In their lecture, Thais and Amanda will address the theme "Cultivation, Feeding, and Harmony with the City," highlighting how organic production and conscious consumption can transform feeding in big cities and promote a more sustainable future. Additionally, they will share their experience with the Project Organics in Schools, which offers educational visits for schools interested in learning about organic production and sustainability. |
| 28/06 | Marko Brajovic | |
| 19/07 | Jorge Forager | Sensory Botany | The conversation will address aspects of biodiversity in urban projects and explain how our senses can be tools for relating to flora and fungi. The proposal also includes an invitation to listen and be present during a moment of conscious breathing or sensory anchoring, using natural elements such as leaves, bark, or sounds around. |
| TBD | Nik Sabey and Clarice Borian | What does a Tree want from us? | Participants are invited to imagine a possible city where green is the protagonist, also envisioning a quality they would like to see more present in the world we live in. Then each participant will be guided to embroider that word on a dry leaf. The conversation will end with a walk in the park, placing the embroidered words on the trees with the intention of seeing all these qualities vibrating this newly imagined reality. |
| TBD | Alessandra Araujo | The lecture will be an invitation to bring a dance between the internal nature and the external through the Principles of Life. A sensory and reflective experience guided by the theory of the principles of life to bring connection with each other and with the nature of the park. The activity will have a moment of observation and brief creation. |
| TBD | Thais Raiz and Amanda Ramos | In their lecture, Thais and Amanda will address the theme "Cultivation, Feeding, and Harmony with the City," highlighting how organic production and conscious consumption can transform feeding in big cities and promote a more sustainable future. Additionally, they will share their experience with the Project Organics in Schools, which offers educational visits for schools interested in learning about organic production and sustainability. |
About Jorge Forager
Son of farmers, agroforester, and self-taught botanist, he is an enthusiast and deep researcher of Brazilian biodiversity. He learned early on to live in communion with the forest and in his walk, he recognized the importance of knowledge for preservation. He dedicates himself to disseminating Brazilian ingredients and cultural rescue, sharing his learnings and ideologies through work as a consultant and facilitator of experiences.
About Luis da Mata
Ornithologist by vocation, Luis dedicates his life to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds. With sensitivity and profound knowledge, he cares for each bird until it is ready to return to nature. A specialist in bird songs, he can recognize them just by the sound they emit — and more than that, he reproduces their songs with such precision that he can attract the species and establish a unique communication with them. His work combines science, empathy, and a rare connection with the natural world, revealing the strength of care as a bridge between humans and birds.
About Nik Sabey
Tree planter, landscaper, environmentalist, and activist, Nik Sabey has been planting since he was a child. He made this habit into a project: "New Trees Everywhere" which promotes the planting of native trees. Since 2016, Nik has been at the forefront of “New”, this initiative that, along with many green enthusiasts partners, has already planted thousands of trees across the country. Some of these plantings have gained a lot of prominence as a new proposal for cities, in places like Bosque da Batata or the Florestinha da Hélio Pellegrino.
About Clarice Borian
Clarice Borian is from Maringá, PR. She studied Anthropology and has always been immersed in the universe of textile poetics, having nature as her main reference. From 1997 to 2011, she created and led Brazoo, a clothing brand recognized for valuing manual labor and Brazil's popular culture. Since 2013 she has been embroidering dry leaves as a way to broaden her perspective on nature and everyday life. In 2020, she launched the Oracle of Trees through Estação das Letras e Cores. She participates in shows, exhibitions, and collaborative projects among artists, designers, poets, planters, and environmental activists.
About Thais Raiz
Thais is the Director of Projects and Events at the Organic Agriculture Association (AAO) and also of the Organic Fair at Parque da Água Branca, which has been held for over 30 years in São Paulo. With technical training in Agriculture and specialization in Agroecological and Organic Agriculture, Thais acts as a member of the Organic Production Commission (CPOrg), a body that discusses the Organic Law and promotes actions for the development of organic agriculture, focusing on family farming.
About Amanda Ramos
Amanda Ramos is a biologist and holds a Master's and Doctorate in Sciences, with 15 years of experience in the food area. She works as a lecturer in undergraduate, specialization, and postgraduate courses and as a speaker. At the Organic Agriculture Association (AAO) Fair, she is a verifier of the commercialization of organic foods and products.
About Alessandra Araujo
Innovation designer. Biologist, Biomimeticist, and founder of bio-inspirations. She facilitates teams to reach their highest creative potential for innovation through biomimetics. She works in the field of people management through the application of neuroscience concepts, reconnection with nature, and mental health. Graduated in Biology from UNISA, with an MS from the University of Hawaii in Environmental Biochemistry - USA, and an executive program in Global Communications from Thunderbird School – Brazil/USA. Biomimetic professional since 2012, certified by Biomimicry 3.8 and in 2015 by Arizona State University (ASU). She was inspired by the evolution of species and their interactions to better understand human relationships.
