RECONNECTING NATURE

by Vilde Stadtler Myrhaug

Name

Vilde Stadtler Myrhaug

Course

BA Architecture

By studying the ecology of moss, and its role in our wider ecosystem, I found a beauty in how it slowly and softly rewilds its surroundings. When left untouched, it can turn into almost anything into a soil suitable for other plants to start growing, whether this is on brick walls, old trees, or even human trash. This reminded me of a concept I was exploring in my dissertation; how the human relationship to nature has completely shifted since the start of the industrial revolution. We now see nature as something to be worked on rather than worked with, and that we are somehow above nature. For my project this semester, located in the same location as last term (but taking up the rest of the car park), I want to carefully design a place where the urban population get to reconnect with nature. My proposal is inspired by vernacular ideas, and includes co-living spaces for 21 permanent residents and 6 short term visitors, a workshop for the locals to learn the crafts of William Morris, and various outdoor social spaces.