buss

How can we turn bad weather into good use?

This project aims to effect a cultural change in our relationship with weather, to make people more climate resilient, and to directly begin rebuilding a healthier relationship with nature.

We may stay inside during the rain, but afterwards….

Buss is inspired by “mud-puddling” – when butterflies gather around muddy puddles after it rains. Butterflies meet here to re-hydrate and acquire nutrition. Buss is a utilitarian object presented as an accessory; due to its long, elegant form it reads as abstract, but it is designed to be actionable - to trace puddles with chalk. Buss creates a newfound appreciation for the rain by taking us outside to engage the puddles it left behind.

By adding vibrant colors and shapes to rain puddles, we create visual interest in Galway’s expected weather cycle. By creating action after it rains, we form awareness. By focusing on butterflies, we learn from their habits and needs. We can help butterflies grow in numbers – a positive transformation in the face of climate change.

Buss is an interface between our body and weather – first, we trace the rain puddles with seed-filled chalks. Then, we carry these seeds in our shoes and wheels after crossing paths with the chalk, watered when it rains again, spreading plants for butterflies all over Galway.