Do insect hotels have to be boring? We are all familiar with their typical appearance, consisting of a variety of wooden wheels with holes. As it turns out, there is also another form of insect hotel. A unique design was made by artists from the Traffic Design Association.
In the era of the Anthropocene, during which we see the emergence of increasingly difficult conditions for humans, efforts to preserve biodiversity and climate should be a priority. Creating the right conditions for insects is certainly important in terms of adaptation to climate change. Insect hotels are an element that can be introduced into cities and villages from the bottom up, at little cost and with great benefit to the environment.
The artists affiliated with Traffic Design approached the subject in a completely different way. What distinguishes their insect hotel?
One of Traffic Design's insect hotels
© Traffic Design
design character
Three hotels were erected in the surroundings of three elementary schools in different districts of Gdynia. The realizers wanted to combine two elements: functionality with an interesting design solution. This resulted in a unique project that, in addition to serving the environment, introduces sculpture into urban space. The project was created as part of the 2021 competition for the implementation of good design practices in urban space. At one of the schools, students and teachers planted special plants that are pollinator-friendly.
Flowers surround one of the hotels
© Traffic Design
We treat animals, including wild ones, as full-fledged residents of the city, and it is to them that our project is directed. On the other hand, by giving it an interesting, sculptural form, we also want to influence the aesthetics of the city, promote good practices and build ecological awareness among Gdynia residents - especially children attending the participating schools," says Jacek Wielebski, project author from the Traffic Design association.
Hotels for insects of the Traffic Design project
© Traffic Design
introducing a grassroots element
Compared to other projects by this art collective, Hotels for Insects is not an intervention in a neglected space or a change in the visual identity of local businesses. This project focuses on creating something completely new in a brand new space, additionally combining functionality and biodiversity with aesthetics.
The first tenants can already be seen in the hotels
© Traffic Design
Insect hotels can be another element of the urban mosaic of solutions supporting adaptation to climate change. At the same time, it is an interesting challenge for architects and designers, who are limited only by function, matter and imagination.
One of the insect hotels designed by Traffic Design
© Traffic Design
