Flourish

Spec

Kind: public art

Client: City of Melbourne

Completed: 2025

“Flourish” was a public art initiative using hemp-based design to create vibrant, biodiverse green spaces in cities. The installation featured native plantings which cultivated thriving ecosystems, enhanced public spaces and supported local wildlife. By harnessing the natural properties of hemp, Flourish crafted durable and regenerative public design that acted as a catalyst for vibrant ecosystems within city landscapes.

This installation was a celebration of the innovative use of natural materials, specifically hemp and biochar. The biochar was combined with a BPA-free bio-epoxy resin, to create a BPA free, UV-resistant epoxy resin, which was then applied to the hemp board. Biochar is a charcoal-like, carbon-rich substance produced from heating organic matter (biomass) in a low-oxygen environment, a process called pyrolysis.

The production of biochar utilized organic waste materials, providing a practical solution for waste management and resource recovery. In Victoria, households throw away about 250,000 tonnes of food each year, enough to fill Melbourne's Eureka Tower. The project was situated in line of sight from the tower, to help viewers build a visual understanding of the scale of the waste, and problem we face.

The hemp, which was grown in Australia, is among the fastest-growing plants on the planet. It is recognized as the strongest natural material available, reaching maturity in just 120 days. Hemp produces three to four times more usable fibre per hectare annually than forests, and it thrives without the need for pesticides or herbicides. While trees take 20 to 80 years to mature, hemp does so in just 3 to 4 months. Industrial hemp sequesters between 8 to 15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare during its growth cycle. In comparison, forests typically capture only 2 to 6 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year, influenced by factors such as growth age, climate, and species.

Public art can play a vital role in environmental repair. Through the use of hemp, this project contributed directly to soil replenishment, carbon sequestration, and the restoration of microbial life. Rather than relying on traditional, static public art installations, Flourish reimagined urban design as a dynamic, living canvas that evolved organically over time. Designed as a living installation, it continued to grow throughout the exhibition season.

With special thanks to the design and build team: Lachlan Chapman & Adam Schroder

Credits

Design: Bronwen Main

Fabrication: Bronwen Main and Lachlan Chapman

Photography: Michael Pham

Contact

Most of our projects begin as conversations. If something here has started one, write to frank@mainfrank.com.