Tom Hill was honoured to be invited to design a garden for the United Nations Biological Diversity Convention (COP15), hosted in Kunming, China.
The central aim of the conference was to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity—a mission that deeply resonated with Tom’s design philosophy.
His garden explores the vital relationship between architecture and nature, presenting a vision where built form and natural systems coexist in harmony. Through a combination of strong architectural elements and equally expressive naturalistic planting, the garden demonstrates how development can actively enhance biodiversity. It proposes that habitats can be integrated into the very fabric of construction, promoting a philosophy of equality between humans and the natural world.
The design adopts a free-form organic shape, with spiralling paths and enveloping walls radiating from a central pool. These elements are inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, reflecting the mathematical patterns found throughout nature. The garden leans toward an architectural approach, with clearly defined paths guiding movement and open spaces creating moments of pause and reflection. The goal is to strike a balance between structure, vegetation, and water—each element equally important in fostering a biodiverse environment.
Materials used throughout the garden include a mix of sustainable man-made elements such as masonry, concrete, and steel, softened by timber, natural stone, and lush planting. This blend reinforces the idea that thoughtful design can support ecological regeneration.
At the garden’s entrance, staggered tree columns evoke the devastation caused by deforestation and wildfires. These truncated and charred forms symbolize ecological loss, but also the potential for renewal. The carbonized outer layers protect the inner core, allowing life to return and ecosystems to rebalance—a powerful metaphor for resilience and regeneration.
The oval pool at the heart of the garden represents the essential role of water in sustaining biodiversity. Its mirrored surface invites reflection, both literal and metaphorical, while serving as a natural water source for wildlife and moisture loving plants. Positioned at the garden’s lowest point, it also functions as a catchment area for rainwater runoff.
A standalone water feature near the curved entrance wall creates a calming, immersive experience. The sound of cascading water fills the space, evoking a natural setting and attracting birds and insects, further enriching the garden’s biodiversity.
Tom’s design acknowledges that architectural development often displaces natural habitats. However, it also asserts that sensitive, intentional design can create new opportunities for nature to thrive. A transition from the open, human-focused garden to a more mature, ecologically rich area is marked by a protective wall with arched openings. These arches symbolize hope—moving from a space that reflects past damage to one that envisions a better future.
A collapsed wall within the garden emphasizes the ecological value of decay. Fallen structures can become foundations for new habitats, supporting biodiversity through natural processes. Around this area, a children’s wildlife zone is proposed, featuring tactile elements and exploratory planting to engage young visitors and foster environmental awareness.
Tom was deeply honoured to contribute a garden that carries a vital message at a critical moment in the global fight against climate change. His design is not only a space for reflection and beauty but also a call to action—demonstrating how architecture and nature can work together to restore balance and protect our planet’s future.
