CASACOR SP inspires using art to attract pollinators to the garden: how does it work?

Sculptures often occupy gardens for their aesthetic strength, but at CASACOR São Paulo 2026, they also play another role: serving as shelter for native Brazilian bees. In the project Da Terra ao Solo, designed by Maria Fernanda Marques Paisagismo Ecológico, the pieces created by artist João Machado transform art into a conservation tool, functioning as true living hives.

Maria Fernandes Marques Paisagismo - Da Terra ao Solo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

The proposal dialogues directly with the garden concept, which brings together more than 70 species of native Brazilian plants in a naturalistic composition. According to Maria Fernanda, knowing the research developed by João Machado was decisive for incorporating it into the project. "Knowing João's work, this was the ideal place to show the importance of bees. We speak about bees through this sculpture and value the work he does, which is wonderful, because he really delves into the subject of native bees."

How the sculptures are made and their benefits

The sculptures developed by João Machado are produced in ceramic, but hide a carefully thought-out structure to receive colonies of native bees. Internally, each piece is lined with wood and beeswax, materials that help create a suitable environment for the installation of swarms. The size is also not random: each sculpture is designed to meet the specific needs of certain species.

"Brazil has the greatest biodiversity of bees in the world: there are around 3,000 species, with very specific needs in relation to biomes, shelter size, humidity, temperature, among other factors. In addition to my training as an artist, I have 20 years of experience as a meliponiculturist," explains João.

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Once ready, the sculpture can remain in the garden awaiting a spontaneous swarming, although the artist prefers to previously introduce the desired colony. From that moment on, the work begins to play an active role in the projects: in addition to serving as shelter, it contributes to the pollination of the surrounding plants and also allows access to the upper part for eventual honey extraction.

"In my opinion, the main benefit is the conservation of endangered species, which are fundamental to the balance of our ecosystem. I also really like the idea of an interactive artwork that functions as a connection between bees and people," adds the artist.

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From CASACOR to residential gardens

Although they are part of an exhibition project, the sculptures were also conceived to occupy residential gardens. According to João Machado, they can be installed in both urban and rural areas, as long as they are near parks or areas with flowering.

The main precautions occur precisely during installation. It is important to position the piece in a place protected from direct sunlight and ensure food for the bees through the surrounding vegetation. After that, the recommendation is to interfere as little as possible with the colony. "Bees have been on Earth for about 130 million years, while we have been here for approximately 4 million. They don't need us, but we depend entirely on them. The less we interfere with the swarm, the better and healthier they will live," he advises.

The insect hotel completes the garden proposal

Maria Fernandes Marques Paisagismo - Da Terra ao Solo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

The presence of João Machado's sculptures is not the only strategy used to favor pollinators in the project Da Terra ao Solo. The garden also houses an insect hotel, a structure built by a bio-constructor at the request of Maria Fernanda Marques Paisagismo, to encourage the presence of different species that play an important role in the ecosystem's balance.

According to João Gabriel, the office's executive director, the idea is to help transform the perception people have about these animals. "The intention is to talk about the need to see insects as something normal in the garden, which we, in an urban society, have learned to repel. So, they are necessary for the phytosanitary health of the garden and for pollination."

The openings distributed throughout the structure work as places for shelter and reproduction. "These cavities are what insects look for in order to make their nests. So, we talk about nesting. They seek out these places to shelter and continue the species," he adds.

Valuing biodiversity in Da Terra ao Solo

Both works find, in the garden designed by Maria Fernanda Marques, a setting conceived precisely to favor biodiversity. Spanning 320 sqm, the project leads to the Cubikoo tiny house and two more outdoor areas before flowing into the monumental entrance of the first mansion of CASACOR São Paulo. The landscaping focuses on valuing native Brazilian species – including taioba, prayer plant, heliconias, blue ginger, petrópolis palm, and many others.

Maria Fernandes Marques Paisagismo - Da Terra ao Solo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

"Native species strengthen the ecosystem chain. They were part of our country's development, so they are fully adapted to soil bacteria, pollinating insects, and other factors that influence phytosanitary health. All of this has been integrated for millions of years," the designer emphasizes.

Maria Fernandes Marques Paisagismo - Da Terra ao Solo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)

In conclusion, João Gabriel adds that the proposal of Da Terra ao Solo is precisely to bring a manifesto to CASACOR visitors. "Let's first start by valuing our country and then look at what's abroad. This applies to culture, art, and also to biodiversity. Our proposal is educational, providing a training of this perspective: showing that it is possible to create a garden with native Brazilian plants," he concludes.