The form of Australia's contribution to the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale is a natural landscape artwork. It is inspired by "the indigenous grassland of southeast Victoria." A strong commentary about the state of nature and its value within the narrative of Australia, the installation boasts "more than 10,000 plants, including 65 different grassland species."
Curators Mauro Baracco and Louise Wright revealed that "only one percent of the grasslands that existed at the time of European settlement, in 1788, now remains." With this troubling news at hand, the natural landscape artwork seeks to raise awareness and mindfulness in its visitors. The incorporation of the vegetation indoors suggests a type of natural invasion — an inverse of the relationship between urban architecture and nature.
Photo Credits: Rory Gardiner
Grass-Inspired Indoor Pavilions
This Natural Landscape Artwork Comments on Nature & Architecture
Trend Themes
1. Indoor Landscapes - Creating indoor spaces that incorporate natural landscapes is a disruptive innovation opportunity for architects and interior designers to bring the beauty of nature into urban settings.
2. Environmental Awareness - Raising awareness about the declining state of nature through artistic installations offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and environmental organizations to engage and educate the public.
3. Nature-inspired Artwork - Creating artworks inspired by nature, such as the grassland installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to explore the relationship between nature and architecture.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can embrace the trend of incorporating indoor landscapes to create innovative and sustainable buildings that reconnect people with nature.
2. Interior Design - Interior designers can utilize the trend of integrating natural landscapes indoors to create calming and visually appealing spaces that enhance well-being and productivity.
3. Art - Artists can leverage the trend of nature-inspired artwork to create thought-provoking installations that stimulate conversations about the environment and our relationship with it.