Forms of Loyalty
- The project shifted from a human-centred consumerism approach to plant-centred care and reciprocity.
- What began as a fandom-inspired idea evolved into a speculative vision of worshipping local plants.
- A sacred garden was proposed, though questions remain about how it truly differs from existing models.
Revisiting the Questions
Over the past three weeks, we believed we were designing something beneficial for local plants. However, through the midpoint presentation, we realised that our approach still stemmed from a human-centred and commercial perspective. This led us to rethink the project entirely from the perspective of plants. One line from the feedback especially stuck with us—“Go crazyyyyyyyyyy!” It made us wonder: how far could we go—how bold and wild might our design become?
We began thinking about ancient trees like the Totteridge Yew, which are said to be between 400 and 2,000 years old. These plants have outlived generations of humans. What if they hold memories and wisdom accumulated through the ages? What if they could share those stories with their communities? If we cared for them more consciously, perhaps a more reciprocal relationship could emerge.
Historically, we have taken much from nature. Now, we must offer something back. A shift is needed—from takers to caretakers.
Our Plant Points project began with three core ideas: plants, shopping, and loyalty. We initially focused on shopping, but have since shifted toward plants. This leaves one key concept to explore: what is loyalty?
Where Does Loyalty Come From?
Before designing our loyalty programme, I proposed we explore different types of loyalty.
One compelling example was the relationship between fans and idols. Fans express long-term emotional support, and both sides benefit from mutual care.
Among all types, religious loyalty seemed the deepest. Harari (2014) suggests that humans are set apart by their belief in shared fictions like religion. These beliefs have shaped human lives and behaviours for centuries.
At first, I imagined becoming a fan of plants—what if they held concerts or fan meetings? This playful idea sparked interest within the group, and soon a new question emerged: what if we took it further and worshipped them? What would a religion centred on plants look like?
Worshippers of the Garden
We adapted the framework of religion into a community-based loyalty system rooted in a sacred garden. Plants are treated as sacred, and tending them becomes an act of devotion.
While researching spiritual traditions, we found that few were centred on plants. This absence suggested a meaningful design opportunity: a religion devoted to plants could offer new cultural value.
At the centre of our garden stands a symbolic sculpture. Inspired by Sainsbury’s coffee machines, participants could collect water at a store and pour it into the garden. A self-checkout kiosk might offer a small revelation (guidance) to lead them there. Believers would complete missions assigned by a priest figure and receive symbolic rewards for their participation.
Focus and the Weight of Religion
Our project shifted away from retail and towards care, community, and reverence. As we embraced a plant-centred perspective, the shopping aspect felt increasingly unnecessary.
Yet questions remain. Aside from the religious overlay, what truly sets this apart from existing community gardens? Is it not simply a conceptual layer added to a familiar format? Additionally, religion carries symbolic weight, and we must approach it with care and sensitivity.
Reference
- Forlano, L. (2017) ‘Posthumanism and Design’, She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, 3(1), pp. 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2017.08.001
- Harari, Y. N. (2014). Sapiens: A brief history of humankind. Random House.
More Stories
Plant Points Week 3
Plant Points Week 5