During my Fulbright research last year in Spain, I spent a day in an outer suburb of Madrid called Sanchinarra, located forty minutes away by train from the center of the city. Upon arrival, I was greeted by miles and miles of empty apartments, cranes building more of them, and the disturbing, uninterrupted feel of asphalt in every direction. I thought, “this is the future or urban development?” Not impressive, but all too typical in cities like Madrid that need to spread out. Although Dubai is an extreme case of rapid growth, they’re finding a small-scale way to stand up for green growth.

Mow Chair. Designed by Fadi Sarieddine for LOCAL.

At the 2010 Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milano this week, a new line from the United Arab Emirates released an interesting approach to seating with the Mow Chair. Designed by architect Fadi Sarieddine for Local, a line of stylish yet practical furniture, gear and objects, was designed to be an organic, grassy solution of the to the grit of city terrain within your home. The Mow Chair acts as an indoor potted plant, an unorthodox bench, or a bittersweet aesthetic piece that proves “greening the world” is something we can take upon ourselves. It comes in 1, 2, and 3 seat options and is both designed and produced in Dubai.