Ephemeral art, plants and landscape

 

On a sunny autumn day undergraduates of landscape and garden design explored the physical and aesthetic qualities of plants and the transmission of ideas by spending time on campus creating ephemeral art. This particular activity was part of a module about  Ephemeral art and way to explore the landscape. Phenomena is an important  design element which is often ignored in the design process and landscape narrative. However it is very important to understand the phenomena in the landscape to create dynamic and beautiful places that captures and reveals the landscape as a unity such as seasonality and plants' and users' perception and reactions! it is the narrative of the landscape that tells us the story and create a strong sensory experience as a tool for place attachment.  Here at the Writtle University College  grounds the autumnal leaves of Acer cappadocicum ‘Aureum’ have been sculpted to remind those using the paths of the root system below the ground. Interestingly students noted the changed behaviour of passers-by as they carefully stepped over the temporary landscape intervention - the wind was a much more destructive force!  Landscapes and gardens are a great place to learn - it was refreshing to be outside and good to return to the studio to warm-up and discuss the afternoon’s activities. The art works are being recorded as they fade away…