Process: 

We were working under the following design decisions: creating layers of diverse life types, encourage the natural process of decomposition, and promoting and controlling optimal growing conditions. Below is our initial idea.

We iterated on heights and spacing of the layers, quantity of each layer in terms of their production and waste, moisture issues, and the overall concept of diversity and co-existence.

And built "paper" mock-ups to test strength and structure for the shelves, attachment methods that would work with the thick glass container, and mesh materials that would give both stability for plants but porosity for air and water exchange.