Pollination: The urban forest

Planting pocket forests in São Paulo

The Brazilian megalopolis of São Paulo has undergone massive urbanization and the near total destruction of a thousand-year-old forest known as the Mata Atlantica.

Faced with this environmental crisis, Charles' project aims to breathe new life into São Paulo by creating “pocket forests”, small urban forests created using a mobile game. This digital game links the virtual world to the real: players cultivate virtual forests which then take root in the city. Augmented reality acts as a bridge between city dwellers and nature, reforestation and the fight against global warming.

“Pocket forests” are created using a circular and inclusive economic model, where the most disadvantaged can take an active role in maintaining the forests.

“Charles' project is set against a backdrop of environmental crisis marked by deforestation deforestation and global warming.The absence of vegetation in certain areas of São Paulo has created heat islands, exacerbating social and environmental inequalities. Blending digital technology, ecology and social design, this particularly innovative project combines a playful approach with collaborative action to reforest the megalopolis. Using the locals’ dependence on digital technology, Charles mobilizes them to green a city so that it becomes more liveable and breathable." Jules Riché, Master's program coordinator - International Design Strategy - Brazil Studio