The Avanade Intelligent Garden

The Avanade Intelligent Garden is an urban forest garden designed to support urban trees – essential allies in combating climate change and creating more hospitable living conditions in our cities.

Urban trees filter air pollution, cool the air, support wildlife, and boost community wellbeing. Yet, they face immense challenges – from climate stress to lack of perceived value – resulting in reports suggesting that 50% do not survive beyond 10 years and up to 30% of urban trees die in their first year. Most trees reach their ecological peak at 50 years old, yet a study found it takes up to 16 years for a newly planted urban tree to become carbon neutral. Globally we are planting defunct urban forests that struggle to thrive. 

The garden is equipped with sensors that track tree health – monitoring growth, sap flow, soil conditions, air quality, and weather patterns. AI analyses this data, spotting trends and predicting future conditions to provide simple, actionable advice.

Through a web-based app, Show visitors can have one-on-one conversations with trees, learning what specific care they need and how they are faring. Trees will even alert their custodians if they anticipate issues like over or under-watering.

 The design is based on a forest garden concept, with a high degree of biodiversity. The trees and shrubs each have a productive use including Toona sinensis ‘Flamingo’, Zanthoxylum simulans, Cornus kousa, Rubus phoenicolasius and Lycium barbarum. 

At a glance

Who would use this garden?

The garden has been designed as a testing ground for researchers to pilot an innovative AI tool that supports urban trees.
Where is the garden set?

An urban location in London.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?

Exploring how AI can play a role in supporting the health and survival of urban trees in the midst of the climate crisis.