Jasper Riehm, a former Michelin-starred chef turned urban green artist, now excels in blending culinary arts with urban ecology in Amsterdam. As a member of Cityplot, he leads foraging tours and constructs living willow domes, known as "That Weird Plant Guy," Jasper's work embodies sustainability, aiming to reconnect city dwellers with nature.

How I Got Started

Growing up in the heart of New York City, where ingredients were readily available at grocery stores, I discovered my passion for cooking, eventually leading me to become a professional chef. Alongside my culinary journey, I developed a profound interest in gardening, which made me acutely aware of the disconnect between ingredients and consumers. To bridge this gap, I embarked on a journey of growing my own vegetables and dedicating my free time to volunteering at various farms and gardens.

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As the days rolled on, I found myself driven by a mission to cultivate a deeper connection between people and nature. Now, on my days off, you can often find me immersed in planting living architecture—a unique and captivating way to help individuals reconnect with the natural world that surrounds them.

My journey is more than creating green spaces; it’s about awakening a sense of wonder and belonging. Every willow woven, every plant nurtured, is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future where cities are not just places to live but spaces to thrive.

At the core of Hungary's dynamic Ozora Festival, a monumental Willow Dome is set to stand as a symbol of sustainable creativity and collective sanctuary. One of my largest projects, with a diameter of approximately 42 meters, is aimed at fostering a deep connection between attendees and the natural world. Slated for construction in April 2024 in collaboration with Theo Rekelhof and Gergely Aron Dzsida. The Ozora Festival located in Hungary is a permanent festival/nature terrain.

We created the first living stage and community space for the festival. We used willows donated by the local municipality and worked with 20 volunteers from Hungary.