Hortopia is a platform dedicated to prototyping and promoting better human-planetary relationships through applied research.
We envision new pathways for harmonious relationships between humanity and the natural world. As a platform that seamlessly bridges physical, conceptual and digital realms, we envision and create spaces where people, technology and nature thrive together in balanced coexistence.
Through collaborative research processes and hands-on projects, Hortopia cultivates a future where human habitats and natural ecosystems are seamlessly intertwined across three dimensions:
Physical Spaces: We collaboratively prototype and implement physical environments that renegotiate the balance between the space people use and the space our planet needs to thrive.
Conceptual Territories: We develop learning environments, community programmes and educational frameworks that promote ecological awareness and sustainable practices.
Digital Landscapes: We create virtual platforms and tools that connect people with nature and facilitate collaborative eco-innovation.
Founded in 2024
Hortopia was founded in May 2024 by swiss based researcher Dr Jan Albert Eckert. He is an urbanist, lifelong learning expert and Inner Development Goals Ambassador who is transforming the way we understand human-planetary relationships. Founder of hortopia.org, he bridges academic expertise and regenerative practices, drawing on a rich international background.
With a PhD from the IUAV University of Venice and a global design education including stints at prestigious institutions such as the Edinburgh College of Art and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Eckert has held key leadership roles in academia – from developing design programmes at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the University of Gothenburg, to pioneering applied research and evidence-based design as head of the Living Lab at the Swiss Centre for Design and Health.
His research represents a transformative approach to rethinking our connection to the planet through systems thinking, applied research and inner development.
