Urban space, full of concrete, metal and glass skyscrapers, often lacks greenery and natural beauty. Increasingly, however, designers and artists around the world are introducing new solutions that not only enliven our cities, but also bring utilitarian works of art into them. One of such solutions are XXL pots — impressive and innovative architectural elements that are becoming an integral part of the urban landscape.

XXL pots: Art that inspires and creates community in the city

XXL flower pots are huge plant containers that not only have a practical function, but also an artistic one. Unlike traditional pots, which are small in size and focus mainly on the function of holding plants, XXL pots are becoming the centerpiece of urban spaces. Their enormous size, unique shapes and modern designs attract the attention of passers-by, giving a distinctive look to a particular place.

Moreover, XXL flower pots are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Thanks to their size, they can hold large trees and shrubs, thus creating natural green islands in the middle of a concrete jungle. Plants in pots not only decorate the city, but also contribute to improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. In addition, XXL pots can also become spatial markers or protective barriers, dividing the urban space into different zones.

Art on a large scale – XXL pots as an urban attraction

XXL pots create unlimited possibilities for artistic expression. Designers, using a variety of materials, create unique compositions that reflect both contemporary minimalism and expressive abstraction. Pots can be made of concrete, steel, wood, glass or plastic, and their surfaces can be decorated with paintings, mosaics, or sculptures. These artistic masterpieces enrich urban spaces and give them a new dynamic.

Painting XXL pots together can be a great idea to activate the local community. Creating such local works of art will be great entertainment for both young and old residents! A great background for such events are the white, smooth XXL Gianto pots from Terra Group, which have already been used in this way, e.g., by the City of Poznań.

Poznan Design Days

A space full of color. How are XXL pots transforming cities?

Artists and designers all over the world see the potential of XXL pots and bring them into urban space with increasing enthusiasm.  Thanks to XXL pots, art is making its way into streets and squares, merging with the daily lives of citizens. XXL pots not only provide us with aesthetic impressions, but also inspire to reflect on the role of art in public spaces.

Why not organize a pot painting event in your town? Graffiti lovers as well as classic art enthusiasts are sure to be delighted! A pot painting action in your city can be an exciting event and a great opportunity to involve the local community in creating artistic and creative spaces. Here are some steps that can help you organize such an action:

• Contact the relevant city authorities or organizations responsible for the management of urban spaces, such as the city hall, the cultural department or the urban greenery board. Discuss your ideas and get permission to carry out pot painting campaigns in public areas.
• Submit a project to the civic budget vote.
• Identify strategic locations in the city, such as squares, parks or streets, where the placement of painted pots will attract the most attention. Choose areas that are highly visible and frequently visited by residents and tourists.
• Inform the local community about the planned pot painting event. You can use various communication channels, such as social media, websites, local newspapers or posters. Encourage residents, art groups, schools, NGOs and local businesses to take part.
• Ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials such as paints, brushes, palettes, rubbish bags, water for washing brushes, etc. Also provide adequate safety equipment such as protective suits and gloves for participants. Organize work zones and provide tables where pots can be painted.
• Ensure photo or video documentation of the pot painting action. Share them on social media, local media, websites, and blogs to promote the participants’ creativity and attract the attention of more people.

City Days, harvest festivals, regional holidays, and even … visits of amusement parks. There is a lot of things going on in public spaces! Good things cannot last forever though… one may even be tempted to say that the greatest advantage of events in common spaces is their fleetingness. Waiting the whole year for a few days of events makes them unique. However, how to prepare a space for intensive use? How to make hundreds or even thousands of guests feel comfortable?

Stettin, Poland | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

In such unusual circumstances, mobile decorations work well. Only components that can be easily delivered and then quickly dismantled can be so well adapted to the needs of the guests. Interestingly, the range of mobile city decorations is made up of not only XXL pots, but even … the Flower Towers. Models with a special transport hook can be moved from one place to another with a help of a small crane, without any damage to the plants.

Stettin, Poland | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

But let’s go back to the plant containers – when organizing City Days or complementing the elements of an amusement park, it is worth paying attention to the multi-functionality of the decorations. Outdoor events are often so popular that due to the limited space, it is impossible to set both purely decorative elements and those that improve the comfort in the area.

Stettin, Poland | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

In crowded spaces, mobile urban pots with a seat function or models with a table work really well. These large, minimalistic and robust containers can be delivered quickly and easily thanks to the special grooves for the light pallet truck. Their presence also means an additional bench or an alternative place to eat a meal – a perfect complement to the gastronomic zone of any larger event.

Stettin, Poland | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

This type of solution was chosen, among others, during the Holiday Park in Szczecin. This year’s event is the largest happening of this type available to guests after the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. No wonder that, after such a long period of isolation, lovers of strong emotions stormed the area of  szczecin Łasztownia and the entertainment facilities located there. After an exciting ride on an 80-meter carousel with chain swings, the only thing left to do is to satisfy the hunger for … delicacies in the gastronomic and leisure zone.

Stettin, Poland | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

Guests visiting the Szczecin amusement park will find not only small bars with take-away meals, but also they can relax while sitting on one of the XXL mobile benches with a flower pot. On the surface of the decorations, there are funny stickers referring to the place – it is an interesting way to functional, inspired by nature and aesthetically complement any outdoor event. When the gathering comes to its end, XXL pots can be quickly moved to another location, where they will become another attraction for passers-by.