One of the centerpieces at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show looks like it’s from the future – and, in a way, it is.
It’s called the Ecodome, and it’s a 3,500-square-foot, igloo-shaped exhibition of the Netherlands’ most innovative green technologies. Think of it as a souped-up greenhouse, in which everything from the ceiling to the floor showcases the future of Dutch horticulture. Solar power. Recycled concrete. Bio-based furniture.
All this, and quite a bit more, is incorporated into the layout of this sleek and pastoral, walk-in dome.
“More or less, the Ecodome is a collection of so-called green ideas” regarding horticulture in the Netherlands, says Ton Akkerman, the Dutch counselor of agriculture who is involved in overseeing the Ecodome’s presentation at the Flower Show.
Designed by award-winning landscape architect Nico Wissing, the Ecodome was essentially built as a meeting place for ministers of the European Union, where discussions relevant to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy could be held.
“The first time it was used was the first half of 2016,” says Akkerman.
Aside from its many cutting-edge features, not least of which involves converting rainwater into drinking water, the Ecodome serves as a vibrant and floral talking piece, Akkerman says. It’s a gateway to discussions about “the environment, climate change, agriculture, being more sustainable.”
One of the added benefits of bringing the Ecodome to the U.S. is broadening the world’s image of the Netherlands.
“We’d like to move away a little bit from the traditional image we have, like cheese, clocks, windmills, etc., etc.,” says Akkerman.
Instead, “We’d like to show the world, show the people, that it’s always possible to be, let’s say, carbon neutral.”
To be clear, attendees at the Flower Show, the theme of which is “Holland,” can look forward to more than displays of innovation, the counselor adds.
The Ecodome is a thing of beauty, with lush plant life bathing the view and tickling the senses.
“When you are inside, especially if you are somewhere in the back, you can see everything in the room,” says Akkerman. “There’s nice colors, nice flowers, it smells nice. Special lights. It’s really exciting.”
For more information on the Ecodome, visit nlintheusa.com/ecodome.
