Habitats are essential for all living organisms. As human habitats increase through urbanisation, other spaces are being underutilised and/or destroyed, resulting in a lack of habitats placing local non-human species at risk. The research question “How might we develop urban spaces with the help of Football to mutually benefit multiple natural species?” was used throughout this project, following a quantitative experimental research methodology alongside the Design for Conservation Methodology. Through New Zealand's love for sport and my own personal interests, Grass to Growth uses specially designed seed-planting studs to transform under-utilised green urban spaces into habitats for local at-risk species alongside a curated casebook highlighting sustainable improvements for local football clubs.
Grass to Growth offers both mechanical and organic universally fitting seed planting studs. The organic studs are designed to break down as you play, allowing seeds, compost, and minerals to be planted without any waste. The aluminum cores of the studs will remain after use, and can be unscrewed with a studkey to add new organic shells overtop of the cores to keep playing and planting.
The mechanical studs are inspired by the functionality of pepper grinders. The spiral core of the stud rotates in the ground as you play, carrying seeds through the studs hollow shell and into the ground. These studs would create 1 of 1 ecosystems that benefit local wildlife and showcase the games that took place through the unique planting and growth patterns of the seeds.
