# Net-Positive Energy Botanical Gardens Olin & Overland Completes the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens By Amy Duong | Published 2024-07-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-selby-botanical-gardens References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/07/08/olin-worlds-first-net-positive-energy-botanical-garden-florida/)  American design studios Olin and Overland have completed the [Marie Selby Botanical Garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyl-lighting) expansion in Florida, which is a home powered by a rooftop filled with 2,158 solar panels. The project is part of a larger three-year masterplan which is headed by Olin with the goal to expand the Sarasota campus of [Marie Selby Botanical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-esther-pavilion), which is an institution working to develop research and education of air plants along with native plant species. Phase 1 of the plan was completed last year and it is made up of three new structures along with a large stormwater management system and recreational trail. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens notes "The cutting-edge [LEAF](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaf-house-1), which houses parking, a garden-to-plate restaurant, a new giftshop, vertical gardens, and a nearly 50,000 square-foot solar array will make Selby Gardens the first net-positive energy botanical garden complex in the world." Image Credit: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 25% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Net-positive Energy Infrastructure:** Botanical gardens are utilizing cutting-edge energy solutions to become self-sufficient and eco-friendly. - **Solar-powered Public Spaces:** The integration of large-scale solar arrays into public institutions highlights the potential for sustainable energy usage in community spaces. - **Multifunctional Green Buildings:** Structures that blend commercial amenities with green tech, like parking and vertical gardens, are redefining community-focused architecture. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** The expansion of solar power in botanical gardens demonstrates the growing application of renewable energy in traditionally non-industrial sectors. - **Green Architecture:** Architectural firms are pioneering sustainable designs that integrate energy efficiency and environmental conservation into public infrastructure. - **Environmental Education:** Enhanced botanical gardens serve as educational hubs that promote awareness and research on native plant species and sustainable practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Botanical Public Garden Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leach-botanical-garden.md) - [Drought-Tolerant Rooftop Landscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redesigned-rooftop-garden.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Bold Aquaponic Greenhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoaquaponic-house.md) - [London-Based Garden Roofscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roof-garden.md) - [Water-Less Minimal Design Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/botnica.md) - [Botanical Garden Visitor Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-c-taylor-visitor-center.md) - [Flower-Shapes Greenhouse Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-opera-park.md)