overgrown

chrissie macdonald

rooted

The Mapungubwe National Park celebrates the site of an ancient trading civilization in the context of a natural setting. The complex landscape was both the inspiration for the design and the source of the materials for the construction of the new Interpretation Centre, resulting in a composition of structures that are authentically rooted to their location. (peter rich architects)

civilized

photo from here

The question is whether any civilization can wage relentless war on life without destroying itself, and without losing the right to be called civilized. (rachel carson)

tree in front of billboard

helmut smits

on fire/in bloom

“ Is it possible for a blaze of flowers to explain what happened on the 14^th of May 1940, without being instantly a historic monument/The Schouwburgplein is an open space from where you can enjoy the skyline. It is the place to get together during the day. Flowers are hereby the finishing touch, the smile.”

Adriaan Geuze

West 8, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 2007

soft and wild

In C.A.S.T. lies the micro scale, that of subtle details and elegant materials. Visitors move from natural to man-made, from the nature of Harima's master plan -- soft and "wild" -- to a reformed civic nature to the courtyards of C.A.S.T. and the final stage of design manipulation. There, the distortion of borrowed elements not only makes parts and space singular but also compels visitors to look at their own traditions with a renewed eye.
-PWP, The Centre of Advanced Science and Technology

i hate nature

I hate spiders. I hate earthquakes. I hate genetic diseases and AIDS. Nature is dirty. Birds poop all over my car. Nature causes death. It takes up too much space. It brings ice onto the roads, germs into our living rooms, and water through the windows.

REAL Nature is disconnected from our FANTASY about it: I, like most people, want Nature...functional and in its place.

-Martha Schwartz, I HATE NATURE: An American Cautionary