We recently came across a book, Natural Architecture Now by Francesca Tatarella that was full of beautiful, elegant expressions of design that begins to meld the worlds of architecture and nature. Many of their works focused on bringing together people and creating social interaction, which is one of the best ways to grow as communities, all in a setting that increases the appreciation for nature and our surrounding environment. Architecture ultimately is creating a space for its inhabitants and their needs. It should evolve and morph as its inhabitants do to accommodate their ever-changing needs. Nature has a way of proving this to us with its dynamic evolution in order to constantly survive and thrive, despite changes created by outside forces. Below are a few of our favorite images from the inspiring book!
“Noor Eesti” Scenery by Kadarik Tüür Arhitektid was an outdoor theater created in Estonia in 2011 made entirely out of thin wooden planks. Its delicate use of transparency not only creates a stunning play of light and frames the surrounding landscape, but also forges an intimate connection between the actors and the audience as there is no real back of house. The entire process of theater is exposed, allowing the audience to catch glimpses, and thus creating a play that has no real break or ending. It was a temporary installation that was then dismantled and recycled to be used to create similar theater structures elsewhere.
Winnipeg Skating Shelters by Patkau Architects were meant to serve as temporary shelters to skaters and cross-country skiers throughout the winter season. They evoke an incredible sense of community in how they are huddled together against the rain and the elements, while also facilitating moments of intimacy as each structure only accommodates a few people at a time. Made completely of thin strips of plywood, they almost take on a life of their own as they bend and creak in the wind, enhancing the realization of being immersed in the natural environment.
For more images of this project, see our blog here.
Big Bambú by Doug and Mike Starn was part of the 2012 Enel Contemporanea in Rome. A site specific installation constructed by weaving together thousands of bamboo poles, the structure rises over 80 feet high, and was donated afterwards to be a permanent fixture outside the MACRO Museum of Modern Art in the Testaccio neighborhood. Within the structure are various areas to congregate, including a stage for performances, and many paths that crisscross between creating multiple possibilities for different degrees of interaction.
We remember the installations in 2010 on the roof of the Met, and at the 54th Venice Biennale, also fantastic.
Teatro Naturale, Roberto Conte in Borgo Valsugana, Trentino, Italy 2006.
Childhood Dreams, Patrick Dougherty in the Desert Botanical Garden outside Phoenix, Arizona 2007.
Images courtesy of Natural Architecture Now.