HUMBLE PROJECT THINKING

Our work reflects the reality that projects do not need to have millions of dollars or use vast amount of resources. Low budgets are normally a challenge for the composition and selection of materials, but our projects provide a pioneering approach with regard to budget, execution and outcome proving exemplary value.

Reclaiming the concepts of Arte Povera and Bricolage and their ecological application in the design process plays a major role in this. The controlled re-use, upgrading and transformation of materials into a new context is the key to some of our ‘little paradises’. Building materials utilized are leftovers that the city produces and throws out each day. The worth of the worthless achieves an important role and enriches a discussion on the state of urban nature for children, adults and butterflies.

Processes of aging and decay, speculative projections, uncertainties, and the deliberate integration of the uncontrolled are crucial to us. Gardens have always been experimental grounds for innovation and improvisation. We highlight gardens and open spaces as an archetypal conception of humans trying to coexist with nature and thus create a platform for the “post-boom generation” in search of moments of happiness. The golden rule is to find beauty in spontaneity and imperfection.

We integrate design experiments and interdisciplinary innovation into our landscape architecture practice to inform new methods and engage the public. The results are spatial experiences that employ alternative design and building techniques and open up new perspectives in the process of the making. As a form of ‘hands on architecture’ it encourages interested people to get involved without losing the integrity of the umbrella design.

Our work does not aim to make a spectacle of itself, but simply strives to give everyday spaces their own energy by injecting a sensual feel. None of these humble projects will rescue the world. The dimensions are lowly and the means are simple, but the design considerations are surprisingly complex and the realized spatial transformations are bloody cheap but sexy!

THIS IS HOW WE WORK:

Drawing an Idea

Instead of a flood of images containing promises that are hard to keep, we push ourselves to concentrate firmly on an original idea in the form of a drawing or graphic.

Treating Existing Features with Respect

All creative concepts are oriented towards what is already present. New developments are carefully and respectfully integrated into the existing structures and into people’s lives.

Employing Risk over Routine

We perceive design as an evolving situation between clients and designers, in which we are united by curiosity, inquisitiveness and the willingness to take a risk.

Keeping Critical Distance and Good Humour

Sometimes we need to take a break from investigating the soul of architectural design and discuss the soul of a good glass of wine among friends instead. It is important to maintain some distance from our work in order to ensure we do not lose ourselves in it.

Reaching Discovery, Invention and Controlled Madness

There will always be conflicting urges between the imagination that we try to bring under control and the discipline that we strive to set free. A productive balance can therefore be found between spontaneous innocence, naïve optimism and the healthy scepticism that tempers any excess.