Kokedama Forest.
Kokedama Forest was a temporary installation within the Design District at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2021. This edition was held at the FDR Park in Philadelphia, PA with a narrative focused on Habitat, Nature’s Masterpiece.
Kokedama Forest is a 1,000 SQF miniature sculptural forest consisting of more than 1,200 autochthonous forestry seedling kokedamas nested within an inverted dome carved out from a fragile and intricate metal network. This 7.5 feet high three-dimensional structure extruded from a 30´ x 30´square is woven with steel inviting the contradictory blend of strength and delicacy that is implicit in all living networks.
Guests are welcomed to enter the micro-woodland and be surrounded by the levitating kokedamas: hundreds of seedlings proudly displaying their intimate relationship with soil supported by a complex symbolic web. At the center of this improvised green amphitheater, the visitor is both a spectator and a protagonist being simultaneously embraced with its peaceful parlance while invited to actively question her/his role at the center of its metaphorical arena.
Awards:
Gold Medal – The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society @ Philadelphia Flower Show 2021
The Governor’s Trophy for the most innovative or unique design @ Philadelphia Flower Show 2021
Special Achievement Award for an exhibit of unusual excellence in creativity – GCFP @ Philadelphia Flower Show 2021
ArchDaily 2022 Nominee for the Building of the Year Awards within the Small Scale & Installations Category
