The Principality of Monaco embraced a greener vision with the inaugural Flowers4Art event, held from November 28 to December 1 at the prestigious Hôtel Métropole. Organized by the Passion Sea Association, led by Helga Piaget, this event united environmentalists, architects, and artists to reimagine urban spaces through sustainable innovations like vertical gardens.
Green Walls: More Than Aesthetic
At its heart, Flowers4Art was a showcase of how vertical gardens can revolutionize urban living. Helga Piaget, known for her ocean conservation efforts through Passion Sea since 2015, emphasized the broader connections between cities and natural ecosystems:
“Clean rivers, seas, and oceans begin with the choices we make on land. Vertical gardens are not merely decorative—they mitigate urban heat, purify air, and require minimal water, making them vital for cities like Monaco with limited space.”
The initiative aligns with Monaco’s National Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and drew inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant artistry, blending nature and creativity to spark innovative solutions.
Innovation on Display
Seven pioneering projects were featured, offering diverse solutions for integrating greenery into urban settings. Each highlighted a unique method of blending sustainability with design:
1. Respyre (Netherlands): A revolutionary material combining concrete and foam to create durable, eco-friendly vertical gardens.
2. Dilectus Design (Monaco): The local studio presented Abaco, an adjustable green panel with vibrant colors, ideal for urban facades.
3. Maria Burgos (Italy): A solar-powered system using metal frameworks to optimize irrigation while reducing water and energy use.
4. Bryoflor (France): Innovative moss-based systems designed for use on walls, fountains, and signage.
5. Yves Grangier (France): Unique moss bricks sourced from Chile and crafted into green walls on both sides of structures.
6. MoosMoos (Germany): Custom moss creations, including green walls and vibrant moss art in five colors, recognized with the German Design Award 2024.
7. Garden Club of Monaco: A stunning floral sculpture representing the Passion Sea logo, designed specifically for the event.
These projects showcased the potential for combining functionality, beauty, and sustainability in urban spaces, inspiring Monaco and beyond.
A Celebration of Innovation and Education
The event featured thought-provoking workshops and discussions, headlined by renowned botanist Patrick Blanc, the inventor of vertical gardens. Blanc shared insights into creating thriving green spaces across diverse climates and urban settings.
Notably, the event also engaged the younger generation. Students from the International School of Monaco and global participants of Passion Sea’s “World Water Flag” project displayed artworks advocating for clean oceans. These children’s contributions underscored the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future.
Results and Reflections
Concluding with a charity auction conducted by Wannenes Monaco, Flowers4Art raised funds to further Passion Sea’s mission. The event proved that Monaco is poised to lead in sustainable urban innovation, blending art, ecology, and architecture.
This successful debut marks not just an event, but the start of a transformative movement toward greener living in cities worldwide.
