ENVIRONMENT – The news already stings- a recent study conducted by the Royal
Holloway University of London found that
bee colonies are three times healthier in
urban areas than in villages or rural environ-
ments. Bees pollinate our plants, including
vital food crops, and make our candy sweeter.
For city dwellers, welcoming these new
neighbours in increasing rates isn’t optional - it’s necessary for their survival. In the US,
it’s estimated that colony collapse disorder
caused by chemical toxins, pests and disease
has resulted in the death of a quarter of the
country’s 2.4 million colonies.
Designer Nick Beens is on a mission
to create sustainable architecture that will
help bees thrive in built areas as they escape
pesticides and predators in the countryside.
Temples and Totems, projects developed in
Beens’ eponymous studio, are little havens
for our favourite insects. Their sleek contours
and colourful features seamlessly combine
with existing spatial designs. The Temple
panels are crafted using CNC techniques,
and the Totem (pictured) is made from
aluminium tubing and bars. When you stuff
one of these structures with natural materials - recommended are wood, bamboo and
paper – you’re preparing a home for a hive
of buzzy bees. – LGM
nickbeens.com
Why city-dwelling bees
need STREET FURNITURE
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