Slow design is a concept popularized by Visiondivision, and involves furniture and exhibitions whose overall aesthetic evolves with time, similar to the way natural structures bend and warp with age, and 'The Patient Gardener' proves the appeal and necessity of this design philosophy.
The Patient Gardener exhibition consists of 10 cherry trees that have been planted in an 8-meter diameter ring. Once they begin to mature, the architects at the Stockholm-based Visiondivision plan on pruning, bending, pulling and regulating the light of the trees to produce a comfortable and serene space. Intriguingly, the installment, which requires a degree of patient diligence, is intended for on-campus studying, which demands the same virtues. Although the computer-generated visuals are staggering to witness, students at the Politecnico di Milano will have to wait another 60 years before revising their lectures inside The Patient Gardener.
Bark-Bending Installations
'The Patient Gardener' is a Steadily Changing and Evolving Exhibition
Trend Themes
1. Slow Design Evolution - The concept of slowly evolving furniture and exhibitions, such as ‘The Patient Gardener,’ provides an opportunity for designers to create fresh experiences and products as items change over time.
2. Patient Diligence Architecture - The need for patient observation and diligence in architectures such as the cherry trees in ‘The Patient Gardener’ opens up opportunities for new construction techniques that prioritize long-term growth and development.
3. Natural Space Utilization - Designing natural spaces for use, such as the intended studying space for ‘The Patient Gardener,’ presents opportunities for the development of comfortable, natural spaces that foster a sense of connection to the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Slow design evolution presents opportunities for the furniture design industry to create products that change over time, offering fresh experiences for consumers and encouraging longer product lifespan.
2. Architecture & Construction - Patient diligence architecture creates opportunities for new construction techniques that prioritize long-term development and growth, resulting in structures that are both functional and adaptable over time.
3. Landscape Architecture - Natural space utilization places a renewed emphasis on the field of landscape architecture, providing opportunities for the creation of spaces that unite the built and natural environment in unique ways.