Heatherwick studio

Introducing Space Garden. Aurelia Institute

This year’s Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia in Venice plays host to a project that redefines how we think about the role of nature in space environments. Space Garden, proposed by the studio and Aurelia Institute, suggests a radical shift in space architecture — one that prioritises human well-being, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature, even in the most extreme environments. “I’m fascinated by outer space, but, maybe surprisingly, not in its own right,” says Thomas Heatherwick. “Instead, by its potential to help humans live better lives on Earth. Research shows that many types of microchips, tissues and pharmaceuticals are better manufactured in a low gravity environment. Inevitably, as space technology progresses, there will therefore be larger numbers of people working and living in space. But the design of space habitats has always been about survival, never about thriving. “Space Garden started as an experiment in humanising space, by growing the plant species that make small spaces work better for your mental health, but ultimately it’s also about using the unique ‘backyard’ of low Earth orbit to benefit life on our planet.” A large 4m x 4m model of the Space Garden concept, crafted by millimetre, is on display in Venice’s Arsenale, offering visitors a closer representation of the vision. Its organic shape comprises a cluster of 30 pods, each housing a different species of plant grown from a community garden on Earth. The chambers can open and close to provide optimal sunlight exposure, creating a shape that is organic and functional with photovoltaic cells on the outer surface. “The unique environment of space offers us an extraordinary opportunity to design for humanity’s greatest challenges on Earth,” says Aurelia Institute CEO Dr. Ariel Ekblaw. “Space Garden is our vision for an orbiting greenhouse, and an invitation to engage with new ways of thinking about building in, and for, extreme environments. We are focused on developing in-space infrastructure for the public good of life on Earth.” Photo by Nik Eagland

Aurelia Institute and Heatherwick studio are proud to announce the launch of Space Garden at the Venice Biennale Architettura 2025, curated by Carlo Ratti. Space Garden proposes an orbiting, autonomous greenhouse that will support cutting-edge agricultural research and global engagement in the future of our Earth-Space ecosystem. A large 4m x 4m model of the Space Garden is on display in the exhibition at the Arsenale, offering visitors a closer representation of the vision. A cluster of 30 pods, each with a different species of plant, surround a central chamber featuring a hero species—a pomegranate tree, one of the earliest plants to be cultivated by humans. The chambers can open and close to provide optimal sunlight exposure, creating a shape that is organic and functional with photovoltaic cells on the outer surface. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/epCnWKna Space Garden is on exhibit at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia is titled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective,” open to the public from May 10 - November 23, 2025. Aurelia Institute is proudly partnering with Daikin Industries, Ltd. and the firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates on this project. Portraits: Nils Koenning #BiennaleArchitettura2025 #IntelliGens #spacearchitecture

AI dominated the conversation at this year’s Milken Global Conference — but what stood out just as powerfully was a celebration of #creativity, #innovation, and what defines a great creator. Our panel, “Crafting the Future: Creativity, Innovation, and Luxury in a Changing World,” brought together visionary minds from across the creative and luxury sectors. Expertly moderated by Diane Brady, the conversation featured Anish Melwani (LVMH US), Ian Schrager (Studio 54), Christine Marzano (BODS), Nicolas Kirkwood, and Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick studio). Traditionally, Milken Global has been known for its focus on health, finance, and philanthropy. This panel marked an exciting step toward expanding into the world of creativity, cultural influence and #luxury brands — and we’re just getting started. If you have a speaker or topic suggestions in this space, reach out to me or Nicoly Costa. We’d love to hear from you. Milken Institute #MIGlobal Albert Read Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo Dara Huang

The Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a mega terminal which will strengthen Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub. The design of T5 was proposed by a consortium led by KPF, in partnership with Heatherwick Studio and Architects 61 Pte Ltd. Thomas Heatherwick said: “We’re thrilled to be creating Changi’s Terminal 5, not just as an amazing airport terminal, but as an extraordinary collection of public spaces for the city. Inspired by the essence of Singapore, the terminal will be a place of lush greenery and characterful districts that redefines what an airport can be. And instead of building another monolithic transit hub, we’re making a unique place that you’d want to travel to, rather than just travel through—one that heartily welcomes both travellers and the local community.” Watch the film below.

The Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a mega terminal which will strengthen Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub.   Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of nature and city, T5’s design concept is characterised by a unique collection of overlapping curved roofs with varying heights. The ‘roof leaves’ break the mega terminal building into smaller spaces that are more human scale. Combined with natural light and landscaping at appropriate spaces, the terminal will have the familiar cosy, yet uplifting, feel that Changi is known for.   Mr Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer, Changi Airport Group, said, “Our vision is for T5 to be mega yet cosy, a terminal that embraces the Changi DNA – delivering a personalised, stress free and positively surprising airport experience. As a new gateway to Singapore, T5 offers new possibilities and will bring new surprises. It will offer yet another vibrant space for families, friends and the airport community to gather and bond.”   The design of T5 was proposed by a consortium led by KPF, in partnership with Heatherwick Studio and architects61.   T5 will be linked to existing terminals at Changi Airport, so that the airport can operate as a single integrated air hub. It is designed to handle about 50 million passengers annually in its first phase which is expected to open in the mid-2030s.   This will be a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building. It will be powered by more clean energy to reduce the carbon footprint of Changi Airport and be equipped with building management systems that feature innovative and efficient systems design. The terminal’s rooftop solar system, which would be one of the largest in Singapore, can potentially generate enough energy to power up about 20,000 4-room HDB flats for a year.   To find out much more information, check the link below. https://lnkd.in/g3XyuTk5

Heatherwick Studio and Halima Cassell are proud to have collaborated on our shortlisted design for the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II.    In this short video, Halima and Thomas Heatherwick explain our concept: Bridge of Togetherness.   Find out more, and leave your feedback on each of the different schemes, via the link below: https://lnkd.in/e93ZPS3f

Bridge of Togetherness Heatherwick Studio and Halima Cassell are proud to reveal our shortlisted design for the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II. It's rooted in the idea of togetherness. A physical expression of what the Queen stood for above all else, which is unity. At its heart will be a new gathering place in the centre of St. James’s Park, experienced as part of a memorial walk. This will honour her 70-year reign, with the path expressed as 70 lily pads, each like stepping stones, bearing reflections from voices across the Commonwealth and Realms. At the very centre of the bridge will be figurative sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, protected by a canopy of eight sculptural lilies framing her presence in this historic landscape. Crafted from limestone, the design celebrates materials that age with dignity. Like her legacy, it is quietly monumental. A memorial grown from the landscape, open to people throughout the world from every walk of life. We're delighted to be working with: Arup MRG Studio Giles Quarme Webb Yates Engineers Territory Studio Montagu Evans Aequitas Global The Stonemasonry Company Limited 2-3 Degrees Barker Langham Speirs Major Light Architecture CAE - Centre for Accessible Environments Stuart A Johnson exigere Teresa Rumble Pierre Bidaud Goddard Consulting LLP AECOM Tim O'Hare Associates LLP Irritech Limited We are one of five shortlisted teams. The final design will be formally announced in April 2026, to coincide with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year. Find out more, and leave your feedback on the different schemes, via the link below. https://lnkd.in/e93ZPS3f

Heading to the Biennale? Surely Venice is the last place you need to worry about joyful buildings? This is the city of dreams in the country of Leonardo. But Humanise is relevant to Italy precisely because this is not just a country of historic buildings. Nearly half of all housing in Italy has been built in the last half century. And 89% of it without any involvement of an architect. So if you’re off to the Biennale this weekend, come and hear Thomas Heatherwick debate with Davide Ruzzon Director of the NAAD Neuroscience programme and a dozen post-grad students studying at Milan Politecnic, how we make the outsides of buildings radically more human. 1.30pm, Saturday 10th, in the Biennale Sessions Pavilion. Humanise.org

Here’s an updated look at the ongoing construction work at Olympia, where the historic London venue is coming back to life.   Working with SPPARC, we have designed a new place of culture and creativity for the city (and with amazing views across it).   When complete, OlympiaUK will serve as space for dining, education, entertainment and more, with an elevated public realm at its heart. Fittingly, Thomas Heatherwick has described it as “a place for people to come together.”   These photos show the scale of transformation taking place. We’ll continue to share more updates as we move closer to launch.