Radical Nature

Art and Architecture for a Changing Planet 1969–2009

19 June 2009 – 18 October 2009
Barbican Art Gallery

For another two weeks, the Barbican is featuring an exhibit of nature-inspired designs, displaying an international collection of independent and collaborative work from both artists and architects.   The designs focus on the subject of utopianism, and seek to provide adaptive solutions for our changing environment.

We found several inspiring architectural works.  Symbiosishood by R&Sie(n), is a building situated between North and South Korea that borrows its form from the topography it sits upon.  Eventually, it will blend invisibly into the landscape as the invasive vine it’s covered in overtakes the structure by vegetative expansion.  Tree Mountain by Agnes Denes combines agriculture, environmental art, and architecture to create a circular forest atop a conical mountain in Finland.  The Green Room by A12 (pictured) is an interactive installation, providing a sense of serene solitude within the walls of the mirrored garden.