Katapult, the international guest experience design agency, has announced its support for a local nature-based urban regeneration organisation, Down To Earth Derby, which empowers residents to be part of the city’s future development with a sustainable economy.
The organisation was selected by Katapult to benefit from the firm’s expertise through the Helping Hands Project, which awards charities and community interest groups with pro-bono support.
As part of this, the Katapult team worked alongside the Eden Project to help create visuals of what the future could hold for a nature-based city of Derby.
The package included a 3D concept visualisation of a botanical cocktail garden bar named Electric Daisy, designed to become a revenue-generator to assist the overall aims of the group.
A showcase event on 19 April 2022 at Bustler Market’s Chocolate Factory saw Sir Tim Smit, Eden Project co-founder, and Jamie Quince-Starkey, the founder of Down To Earth Derby speak to over 300 attendees.
The duo spoke about the potential to be delivered from a nature-based regeneration of Derby with its residents and stakeholders. Crafted visuals for six city centre sites were presented including a large wetland site, an innovative urban future farm and a rooftop garden, as well as the botanical cocktail garden bar.
Making a deeper connection
Katapult worked closely with the Down To Earth team to create the experience, designing the showcase event, and creating a VR area that allowed delegates to see the Electric Daisy in an immersive walkthrough tour.
Jamie Quince-Starkey says: “We are ecstatic with the work Katapult has put in to realise our vision of creating a world-leading city in nature-based urban regeneration. Their efforts throughout the project have allowed us to make deeper connections with businesses and residents in the city, taking us one step closer to making our vision a reality.”
Dawn Foote, Katapult co-founder and CEO adds: “This project is both close to our headquarters and close to our hearts, as we fully support a future where nature is better embraced for the sake of protecting the environment and increasing human wellbeing.
“Working with the Down To Earth Derby, Eden Project International teams and other supporters has been a joy and we are excited to be part of their journey. We believe in this vision and are ready to continue to help make it happen”
Launched in 2018, Katapult’s Helping Hands Initiative has been a keen supporter of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and museums. The firm has also inspired creativity in children with its ‘Become A Theme Park Designer’ competition which ran last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event photos: Archers
