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

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

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

The proposal directly dialogues with the concept of the garden, which brings together more than 70 species of native Brazilian plants in a naturalistic composition. According to Maria Fernanda, learning about the research developed by João Machado was decisive in incorporating it into the project. "Knowing João's work, this was the ideal place to show the importance of bees. We talk about bees through this sculpture and value the work he does, which is wonderful, because he truly delves deeply into the topic 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 designed structure to house colonies of native bees. Internally, each piece is lined with wood and beeswax, materials that help create a suitable environment for the installation of the 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 about 3,000 species, with very specific needs regarding 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 introduce the desired colony beforehand. From that moment on, the piece begins to play an active role in the projects: in addition to serving as shelter, it contributes to the pollination of 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, which 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 close to parks or areas with flowering.

The main care takes place precisely during installation. It is important to position the piece in a location 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's 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 Da Terra ao Solo projects. 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 balance of the ecosystem.

According to João Gabriel, executive director of the office, the idea is to help transform the perception people have about these animals. "The intention is to talk about the need to have 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 function as shelter and reproduction sites. "These cavities are where insects look to make their nests. So, we speak of nesting. They look for these places to shelter and continue the species," he adds.

Valuing biodiversity in Da Terra ao Solo

Both works find in the garden signed by Maria Fernanda Marques a setting designed precisely to favor biodiversity. With 320 m², the project leads to the Cubikoo tiny house and two other outdoor areas before flowing into the monumental entrance of the first mansion of CASACOR São Paulo. The focus of the landscaping is on valuing native Brazilian species – including taioba, striped maranta, 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 the development of our country, so they are totally adapted to soil bacteria, pollinating insects and other factors that influence phytosanitary health. All of this has already been integrated for millions of years," emphasizes the person in charge.

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 begin to value our country and then look at what is outside. This applies to culture, art and also to biodiversity. Our proposal is educational, providing training for this perspective: showing that it is possible to create a garden with native Brazilian plants," he concludes.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER