Carlo Ratti created  the installation titledThe Circular Garden for the energy provider Eni on the occasion of Milan Design Week 2019.  Forming part of the exhibition “Human Spaces”, its white arches are planted right next to the Astronomical Observatory and the Brera Academy, defining spaces and corridors. Bending and close one to each other, these structures seem to come directly from earth and, actually, this is true: mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, the organic material they are made of, goes back to earth after its use. The whole installation will be part of nature again, lending it its name.

These structures are spread around the garden to create four different areas where Eni’s projects can be discovered, such as another about bio oil produced using organic waste – all intended to show the brand’s commitment to a future where energy could be more sustainable. 

Visitors can also try the furniture made of mycelium and receive a sample of this material that can be used as fertiliser for plants. While walking through the greenery, visitors can also find three relaxing outdoor areas designed by Marco Acerbis with Unopiù. 

The Circular Garden underlines that reusing resources is important and necessary; the arches, the main characters of the installation, suggest this will be possible in the short term.