Nature Nurtured

This half-art-half-architecture installation responds to the theme of “Love our World” through a convivial reproduction of our natural atmosphere.

The proposal takes on the well-known phrase “Nature vs Nurture”. Normally these two words are considered opposite and independent of each other – where “nature” is defined as not made or caused by humankind, and “nurture” being influenced by humankind.

However, it is evident from climate change that our atmosphere does experience the effects of our manmade actions – nature, is therefore nurtured.

This work aims to provoke thought of our world’s delicately balanced and changing atmosphere. The title ‘Nature Nurtured’ is a wordplay on the well-known phrase providing a reminder that the actions of humankind do have an impact on our atmosphere – both good and bad.

The installation depicts the sun sitting above a large blanket of seemingly floating clouds above an unexpecting Worcester street. Beneath it, at street level, a small round timber pavilion represents the earth.

The materials for both the ‘sun’ and ‘clouds’ will be natural rubber weather balloons. The balloons occupy a large volume of space whilst consisting of a small amount of material, all of which is biodegradable. To mitigate against the effects of adverse wind, existing Christmas decoration anchor points on adjacent buildings may be used. The pavilion is to be constructed from plywood or other suitable sustainable material.

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