River Plant Aquarium

The River Plant Aquarium by Mathieu Lehanneur is an ecosystem study as it relates to basic human needs. Lehanneur, a French designer with an ecological agenda, examines the concept of the aquarium as a source of food and lifestyle influence beyond eye-candy. He utilizes the aquarium as a fish hatchery and introduces simple agriculture through small vegetable gardens.


The refrigerated aquarium houses the fish which produce waste into the water column. This waste is extracted as a nutrient source by the plants which in turn purify the tank water encouraging fish development and growth. This cyclic method does not work without the addition of food for the fish or natural sunlight for the plants, but is essentially a minor maintenance living artificial environment. The small footprint and multiple intent of the River Plant Aquarium enriches the urban experience for those who lack private outdoor space.

[photo from duendepressrelations and inhabitat]