TERRAIN creates playful physical and digital spaces to remind humans that we are embedded in a more-than-human world. As the first of its kind in Australia, this new independent ecologically-oriented BOOKSHOP, GALLERY and STUDIO in Ngár-go/Fitzroy offers the community a set of blueprints for how we might design our way forward as one planetary ecosystem. 

Featured design elements include: a carefully curated selection of ecological literature; lights grown from mycelium; lime plaster walls; cave texture and volume from recycled plastic beads and construction debris; bright green algae-based bioplastic panel blinds; recycled plastic desks and kitchen; recycled aluminium furnishings; deep blue resin floor; terrarium wall; a self-hosted renewably powered website server featuring an evolving digital installation; and interactive sound design.

TERRAIN is a testament to biophilia, in design and content. The space is clearly evocative of caves, subterranean landforms and mycelium networks. These evolving, amorphous, and organic forms are widespread but hidden, yet key to the planet’s existence. They operate in secret and hold clues of our origins and deep past, with access to layers of time revealed through generations of interactions and relationships between the elements. TERRAIN is a unique example of biophilic design that permeates an entire shop fitout.