The Beauty of Letting Go
WHAT
A semi biodegradable brick structure to show a way nature can get back into the city. Every element used is from regional grounds. The seeds are from plants collected at Groot Malpieven, the soil bricks consist of local clay and the fired bricks come from the closest river the Maas.
HOW
The structure consists of fired bricks to keep it strong and solid. The soil bricks will contain local seeds and will be put between the fired bricks. Plants could germinate from the sides or maybe the rain will dissolve the soil bricks to make a fertile ground for the new seeds to sprout from. The best thing about this is that we don’t know how nature will act. Stepping back is an important step.
WHY
Nature will always be in the hearts of people. When I walk around at Groot Malpieven I’m surrounded by beautiful wild nature, but when I walk in the city of Valkenswaard I don't see that nature reflected. Local vegetation is what made this region unique.
My solution is to find a middle ground. I take the building block of the city and turning it into a fertile place for vegetation. Making space for nature in the city of Valkenswaard will make people want to be here and stay. The design of this brick structure originates from one of the oldest building techniques and leading shapes of the architecture of Valkenswaard, the brick and the arc. With the knowledge of the past and our eyes towards the future, Valkenswaard will be very attractive to new residents. The structure will be placed in the Wilhemina park, close to the family homes. A brick making event will teach children about how bricks are made, the neighbourhood can annually choose the seeds they want. This is a good way to connect the community to nature.
This is not a short term plan, this can only happen if we let go for a long period of time. Over time you can see the whole structure change into something I can’t design. I’m just designing a canvas for nature to paint it self on. What will it look like in 5 years? Will it be done in 30 years? This can only happen if we stop maintaining. That’s the beauty of letting go.
Take a look at the project below
