Where the roots ache
Prize(s):
Honorable Mention 2026 Print & Digital / Book and Magazine
School / University Name:Vega School at Emeris
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Alexia Huggins
Other Contributor(s):Lecturer: Marijke Benade
Professor Name(s):Marijke Benade
Design Status:Prototype
Project Description:
Where the Roots Ache is a poetry collection that personifies plants suffering from “silent killers” — common diseases — and compares them to human illnesses. Each poem, created with my grandfather, is a eulogy from the plant’s perspective, blending science, emotion, and reflection to foster empathy and mindful plant care. Two accompanying artefacts deepen engagement: the Letter to the Earth, a seeded-paper postcard for writing messages that can be planted, and Whither Tags, poetic plant care labels that merge practical guidance with lyrical reminders of self-care. Displayed on a custom wooden tree shelf, the collection extends into a tactile, interactive experience, encouraging reflection, connection to nature, and emotional resonance beyond the page.
Where the Roots Ache is a poetry collection that personifies plants suffering from “silent killers” — common diseases — and compares them to human illnesses. Each poem, created with my grandfather, is a eulogy from the plant’s perspective, blending science, emotion, and reflection to foster empathy and mindful plant care. Two accompanying artefacts deepen engagement: the Letter to the Earth, a seeded-paper postcard for writing messages that can be planted, and Whither Tags, poetic plant care labels that merge practical guidance with lyrical reminders of self-care. Displayed on a custom wooden tree shelf, the collection extends into a tactile, interactive experience, encouraging reflection, connection to nature, and emotional resonance beyond the page.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Where the Roots Ache is innovative in the way it merges science, poetry, and design to communicate plant health in an emotionally engaging format. Instead of presenting plant diseases through traditional scientific or instructional texts, the project personifies plants and gives them a voice through poetic eulogies. By framing common plant diseases as “silent killers” comparable to human illnesses, the work encourages readers to empathise with plants and reconsider their role in plant care. The project also introduces an original narrative and linguistic framework, including a self-developed alphabet and language system that contributes to the book’s conceptual depth and visual identity. This combination of scientific research, poetic storytelling, and typographic experimentation creates a unique reading experience that bridges educational content and artistic expression. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project reimagines how information about plant health can be communicated, transforming botanical knowledge into an emotionally resonant and reflective experience for readers.
Where the Roots Ache is innovative in the way it merges science, poetry, and design to communicate plant health in an emotionally engaging format. Instead of presenting plant diseases through traditional scientific or instructional texts, the project personifies plants and gives them a voice through poetic eulogies. By framing common plant diseases as “silent killers” comparable to human illnesses, the work encourages readers to empathise with plants and reconsider their role in plant care. The project also introduces an original narrative and linguistic framework, including a self-developed alphabet and language system that contributes to the book’s conceptual depth and visual identity. This combination of scientific research, poetic storytelling, and typographic experimentation creates a unique reading experience that bridges educational content and artistic expression. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project reimagines how information about plant health can be communicated, transforming botanical knowledge into an emotionally resonant and reflective experience for readers.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Where the Roots Ache promotes sustainability by encouraging greater awareness and care in plant ownership. By humanising plant diseases and highlighting the often-overlooked suffering of plants, the project motivates readers to pay closer attention to plant health and responsible care practices. This increased awareness can lead to longer plant lifespans, reduced plant waste, and a more mindful relationship with living environments. Through storytelling and design, the project supports a culture of respect and stewardship for plants and the natural world.
Where the Roots Ache promotes sustainability by encouraging greater awareness and care in plant ownership. By humanising plant diseases and highlighting the often-overlooked suffering of plants, the project motivates readers to pay closer attention to plant health and responsible care practices. This increased awareness can lead to longer plant lifespans, reduced plant waste, and a more mindful relationship with living environments. Through storytelling and design, the project supports a culture of respect and stewardship for plants and the natural world.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Where the Roots Ache has the potential to influence local and regional communities by fostering a deeper connection between people and the plants around them. By presenting plant care through empathy and storytelling, it encourages homeowners, gardeners, and schools to adopt more attentive and sustainable practices. Regionally, the project can inspire local literary, educational, and environmental initiatives that combine art, science, and awareness, promoting plant health and environmental stewardship as a shared cultural value. It bridges education and creativity, making plant wellbeing a topic of broader community interest.
Where the Roots Ache has the potential to influence local and regional communities by fostering a deeper connection between people and the plants around them. By presenting plant care through empathy and storytelling, it encourages homeowners, gardeners, and schools to adopt more attentive and sustainable practices. Regionally, the project can inspire local literary, educational, and environmental initiatives that combine art, science, and awareness, promoting plant health and environmental stewardship as a shared cultural value. It bridges education and creativity, making plant wellbeing a topic of broader community interest.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Alexia Huggins
