In contemplating the evolution of cities as living organisms, the concept of Metamorphosis becomes central—prompting one to envision a city where nature takes precedence in its expansion, reclaiming dominance from the artificial and capricious world. Amidst the global standstill caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the world witnessed nature's resilience, recovering from the over-exploitation of resources and the impacts of human-induced global warming. This project explores the transformative potential of a singular species that has emerged prominently in the UK over the past decade: Moss.
Delving into the historical significance of moss in Japanese culture, the project draws inspiration from the "Idea of Ma," where space is characterized by fragility, outrageousness, ecstasy, imperfection, and obscurity. Water and moss, integral elements in mimicking nature, are paired with trees to capture the essence of wind, creating a patient environment where life revolves around these natural elements. This design philosophy is exemplified in iconic Japanese locations such as Ginkakujicho, Saiho-ji, Kanazawa, Satoyama, Okazaki, and Tokyo.
The project serves as an experimental endeavor, envisioning the creation of a hypothetical "City of Moss" in the UK. This imaginative cityscape involves the reinvention of existing artificial elements found in contemporary urban environments. By embracing the symbiotic relationship between nature and urban spaces, the project aims to redefine the concept of hospitality, offering an immersive experience where inhabitants coexist harmoniously with the moss-covered landscape.
Site Location | London, UK |
Time | 2021.05 – 2021.09 |
Status | Proposed |
Tools used | Chemical Experiments, Photography, 3D Scanning, 3D Printing, Meshroom, Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, VRay, Adobe Photoshop |
Supervisor | Mr. Joel Chappell and Mr. Andrew Holmes |