A Meeting of Tradition and Technology in AlUla
Living Planters that Fuse Art and Sustainability
In the heart of AlUla, an art festival has brought to life a unique collection that combines the ancestral with the futuristic. It is Alwadiya: The Living Planters, a series of biodegradable 3D-printed planters that are not only functional but also a testament to how technology and traditional craftsmanship can coexist in harmony. These pieces, created by the collective TECHNOCrafts in collaboration with LAMÁQUINA and designer Micaela Clubourg, are on display at the Design Space AlUla until April 19, 2025.
Materials that Breathe and Honor Nature
What makes these planters special is their composition. They are made with a cellulose-based material that incorporates PURE.TECH, a compound capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. Additionally, each piece is wrapped in linen and coated with biodegradable skins dyed with natural pigments extracted from local fruits and herbs. This approach not only honors the region's natural resources but also turns each planter into a small tribute to its surrounding environment.
"This project is a dialogue between the past and the future, where traditional craftsmanship meets the most advanced technology." - Samer Yamani, curator.
A Legacy Reborn in AlJadidah
The project is part of Madrasat Addeera Editions, a program based in an old girls' school converted in the ancient district of AlJadidah. Under the curation of Samer Yamani, this initiative brings together local and international artisans to explore new applications of traditional materials and techniques. In addition to the planters, the exhibition includes other objects such as room dividers and decorative elements, all created through the combination of artisanal methods and digital manufacturing.
The Cycle of Life in Every Piece
Unlike works of art that seek to endure over time, these planters are designed to decompose gradually, mimicking the natural cycle of organic matter. This approach represents a radical shift in the way artistic preservation is understood, as the pieces are destined to reintegrate into the environment. This choice is not casual but reflects the central theme of the exhibition: sustainability in contemporary artistic production.
A Dialogue Between the Past and the Future
The exhibition From Raw to Renaissance not only presents these planters but also celebrates AlUla's artisanal heritage and its natural surroundings. Through works that explore resource efficiency and the relationship between materials, place, and time, the show gathers contributions from both regional and international designers. Each piece invites reflection on how art can be a bridge between the past and the future, between the ephemeral and the eternal.
In summary, Alwadiya: The Living Planters are not just functional objects but an expression of how technology and tradition can unite to create something truly unique and sustainable.