Evan Dublin of Undergraduate Industrial Design submitted a set of 3 environmentally minded products, beginning with MAVE: a root targeted drip irrigation system; Eco Coloring Cards: an interaction between art and nature; and Green Army: recruits for greener landscapes.

The Mave drip irrigation system is a concept designed in collaboration with the Myrtle Avenue Street Furniture Initiative. Initially conceptualized from observation, the Mave system analyzes an existing product found in use on the avenue, a bag system that surrounds the tree at the base slowly releasing water. The problem with this product is the attachment method has been found to hinder the development of saplings and in some cases, cause tree rot. The Mave system offers a new approach, an 8 to 10 inch diameter planter-like form that surrounds the circumference of a young tree, with irrigation spikes that lift the system off of the ground allowing for air circulation. The irrigation spikes offer an additional purpose; they dispense water to target saplings’ roots during prime development. A unique feature to the Mave system is a raised flower bed that surrounds the tree adding an additional level of greenery to the avenue.

The Mave system was one of many concepts presented at the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project workshop. The meeting offered the local community a chance to give feedback and vote on the concepts that could potentially be implemented on the avenue. Mave was a concept that raised interest from the community and the feedback received helped push the concept into further development.