Garciagerman Arquitectos' 'Desert CITY' is a research and development center and cactus garden devoted to expanding knowledge on the resilient plants. Located on the outskirts of Madrid in a former stretch of wasteland between a highway and the foothills of the Upper Manzanares Basin Regional Park, the cactus garden is now a resource for scientists as well as an attractive tourist destination.
Square in the center of Spain, Madrid is a relatively dry city. Its surrounding network of highways and railways run through mostly barren land, and cacti are one of the few flora that can survive in such conditions — let alone thrive. As such, Desert CITY is an ideal location for learning about the xerophytes, as cacti are scientifically classified.
Aside from the gardens themselves, Desert CITY comprises labs for study as well as a restaurant and shop for tourists.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Cactus Research
- The trend of exploring and expanding knowledge on cacti for scientific purposes.
- Resilient Plants
- The trend of studying and cultivating plants that can thrive in harsh and dry environments.
- Tourist Gardens
- The trend of creating attractive and educational gardens as tourist destinations.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Botanical Research
- Disruptive innovation opportunities in researching and developing new applications for cacti and other resilient plants.
- Agriculture
- Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing drought-resistant crops and methods for sustainable farming in dry regions.
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Disruptive innovation opportunities in designing and promoting unique gardens and natural attractions to attract tourists.
