ON AGRICULTURE
“Nature is not at the service of man: we exist within her, submerged in her, intimately associated with her. The ‘planetary garden’ is a means of considering ecology as the integration of humanity – the gardeners – into its smallest spaces. Its guiding philosophy is based on the principle of the ‘garden in motion’: do as much as possible with, as little as possible against. The ultimate goal of the planetary garden is to exploit diversity without destroying it, perpetuating the ‘planetary machine’ and ensuring the existence of the garden – and hence the gardener.” — Gilles Clément
Welcoming the unexpected and the ever-changing
The garden follows the logic of natural evolution. It’s a space in constant motion, aiming for symbiotic biodiversity. From a field of daisies springs a broom, then a strawberry tree that shelters a young oak, an elm. We try to give space to chance and work with it.
Accompanying (not dominating)
Rather than controlling nature, we try to observe, understand, and use the logic of life to our advantage. We intervene only when needed, with lightness and care. We try to work with, not against, nature.
Giving back
Nature thrives on a delicate and complex network of exchanges. Every species gives and receives, contributing to the balance of a larger system. Every harvest is an act of taking, an interruption of a cycle. We try to take just enough, leave room for the wild, and give back what we’ve taken.
Here are some readings that inspired us:
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In practice: Gilles Clément on the planetary garden (Architectural Review, 2021)
- Life in Syntropy - Agenda Gotsch (Video)
- Ernst Götsch syntropic agriculture (Video)
- Natural succession - Agenda Gotsch
ON CULTURE & COMMUNITY
We want Pian della Chiesa to be an open space. A place for gathering, meeting, exchanging and sharing. A place that inspires and brings people together.
We imagine it as a lively piazza - a natural meeting point at the crossroads of the footpaths that link the villages of Monte Caprione: Montemarcello, Tellaro, Ameglia, La Serra, Lerici.
Culture keeps a place alive. We support activities and events that intertwine environment, memory, and future across different languages: literature, music, art, gastronomy, historical research and environmental education.
Over the years, we’ve hosted concerts, book launches, artist residencies, school programs, and public conversations - often in collaboration with the Park, the Municipality, local cooperatives and other regional organisations.
Each event is an opportunity to create a sense of belonging, shared knowledge and to bring together those who live here and those just passing through.
