Rethinking a university space also means imagining new ways to live in it, study in it and move through it. This vision gave rise to The Living Wall, the hydroponic wall unveiled on 22 September 2026 in the library of Politecnico di Milano's Cremona Campus.

The installation brings together experimentation, wellbeing and innovation. Echo Labs contributed to its creation by developing the cladding elements and integrating circular design solutions, with a strong focus on the quality of the space, functionality and the mindful use of resources.

The Living Wall sits in the library's relaxation area, a space for studying, taking a break and meeting others. Rather than a simple green wall, it is conceived as a living system that connects vegetation, technology and the built environment.

The plants grow without soil thanks to a recirculating hydroponic system, while a network of sensors monitors parameters such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, water level and air quality. The data collected makes it possible to track the plants' behaviour over time and their relationship with the indoor environment, turning the wall into a true living lab open to the whole university community.

Echo Labs designed and built the reconditioned wood elements, recovering material from crates used to ship high-value goods and turning it into a new component of the installation.

The large unit at the base of the wall does far more than complete the look: it houses the tank, pump and control and dosing systems that keep the installation running, while leaving them accessible for maintenance. The recovered material thus takes on a new role, becoming part of both the system and the design language of the space.

For Echo Labs, the project reflects an approach in which sustainability, design and the way spaces are used are part of the same process: recovery is the starting point rather than the end goal, a way to imagine new functions and shape solutions that create lasting value.