Some Kind of Sanctuary
My motivation with this project is to create a symbiosis between the users; an architectural intervention that all life forms can benefit from.
This project reflects my personal position in relation to architecture. In the context of the climate crisis, it has never before been of such crucial importance to make drastic changes in the way we consider architectural design. This project constitutes my current attempt at responding to the biodiversity loss issue, while considering the carbon footprint and life cycle of the architectural intervention.
While it may not be categorised conventionally as a ‘building’, my proposal acts as a refuge for fauna (insects), a ‘patcher of lost connections’ for flora and a space of spiritual and educational value for the human user. In order to achieve this, living mycelium has been incorporated in the core of the structure; a non-human user that acts like a network distribution system for nutrients, while breaking down organic matter produced by insects (and humans) and reintroducing it into the ecosystem. This creates a mutually beneficial strategy of interaction between all users.
The programme of the intervention encapsulates a gallery for sculptures and installations related to climate change and a café; as well as a spiritual space positioned at the end of the ‘journey’ through the building, intended as an awakening experience for the human user. The space is designed with the intent of ‘transporting’ humans into the world of the non-humans, in hope that a change of perspective would make them better understand and empathise with the non-humans. The spiritual element of the intervention adopts an archaic, paganview of divinity, in which the supreme deity is nature itself, and time and space are not homogenous nor continuous. This transforms my proposal into a space of venerating nature.
