SENSORY IITINERARY PROJECT RESPECTFUL WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
This project aims to bring people closer to the unique ecosystem of the Pletera Itinerary through sensory discoveries with a collection of artistic and functional, sustainable and handcrafted pieces made with solid wood and vegetable fibers. The project follows the philosophy of Universal Design.The aim is to encourage the improvement of our community values and promote a more respectful relationship with nature, that combines nature, art and communication.
Regional
Spain
PNMM_Parc natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter, Toroella de Montgri, Catalunya
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
2022-05-30
As individual(s) in partnership with organisation(s)
First name: Ariane Last name: Patout Gender: Female Please describe the type of organization(s) you work in partnership with: PNMM_Parc natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter Nationality: Spain If relevant, please select your other nationality: Germany Function: Project manager Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Emeterio Escudero 35-39 Town: Sant Cugat del Vallès Postal code: 08198 Country: Spain Direct Tel:+34691245586 E-mail:info@woodloops.de Website:https://www.domestic-wild.com
The project follows the philosophy of Universal Design, which is realized for everybody regardless of people abilities or disabilities. The aim is to encourage the improvement of our community values and promote a more respectful relationship with nature, through an innovative and creative proposal that combines nature, art and communication. Inspired by this wild landscape, which very well hides a domestication, shaked by the wind that combs a flexible and ethereal vegetation that dances and splashes, eroded by the sun and the sea breeze that rounds the stones and the sea wood. A landscape that hosts a tiny fauna with a more timid presence than that of the birds that visit and nest in it, Domestic-Wild has designed these 12 elements that now contribute to making the Itinerary of the Pletera more accessible. These pieces are handcrafted by Domestic-Wild with local solid oak and cedar wood, combined with wicker plant structures handcrafted by Tramats.cat a couple of artisans based in Torroella de Montgrí.
Renaturalization and reclaiming of urbanized building land
100% sustainable project
aesthetics and quality of experience through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits.
inclusion, from valuing diversity to ensuring accessibility and affordability incl. braille indications
just locals materials, km 0
Visiting and exploring such an exciting area as the "Pletera", where the river Ter, the sea and salt lagoons meet and land and sea repeatedly redefine their shores, is always a sensitive intervention in the natural sphere. Man should stay out of the reclaimed, renaturalized terrain as much as possible and merely assume the role of spectator and observer, giving back maximum space to the forces of nature.
Here in the "Pletera", in the area of tension between estuary, sea and salt lagoons, it was therefore all the more important to work sensitively and exclusively with local sustainable materials and craftsmen. All materials were obtained, dried and processed on site in order to be able to achieve the best harmony of landscape and objects.
The wicker work is only about 1km from the current location and expands the old tradition of wickerwork practiced for furniture and, above all, the former fishing industry. We dared to push the boundaries of the wicker material by scaling the objects, which are exposed to the constant winds and salt water.
The oak used here was obtained about 5 km upstream during forestry work, processed on site, of course, only protected with a natural surface.
The installations developed are not least a solid result of the forces of the strong wind that often prevails here and sustainability is the DNA of this overall concept.
Ultimately, the cooperation of all local craftsmen is the basis for experimental new design.
For us it was clear from the start that all developed objects should radiate a high identity-creating character and only natural materials from on site should be used. The visitors should literally discover the objects and experience, listen to and experience nature together with and in the objects.
We basically wanted a transformation of wild nature into objects that could be experienced. And this was only achieved through the use of two essential local elements: wattle and oak. Both materials have been used in their full size and appearance with minimal processing. This resulted in motifs that were always recognizable, such as nests, protective sails, giant shells, etc., which are a great attraction for use simply because they are oversized. The objects appear more like oversized natural finds and provoke an unrestrained attractiveness to occupy and use them.
The "Leitmotiv" is to stop, to experience the objects with all our senses and to discover further dimensions of our sensory perception through them.
The installations developed are not least a result of the forces of the strong wind that often prevails here and which just as playfully sways the built-in wickerwork in the wind. The project has thus become a pioneer in developing high functional and aesthetic values in an integrative manner with all those involved and implementing them locally.
One of the prerequisites for exploring a park of this dimension was that all installations be freely accessible and tangible. Inclusion for wheelchair users as well as access and orientation for the blind using an app and Braille labeling were necessary. All the senses are challenged here and can be sharpened on the natural materials that are already there and on special textures on the wood. The tactile qualities of the materials used invite you to touch and experience them.
A special, oversized ear trumpet or the bird observatory inspire you to experience your senses, regardless of whether you have a handicap or not.
All of the ideas implemented here are also a pioneer for feeling high sensory qualities through the high-quality and intelligent integration of textures and material qualities.
The reclaimed area of "Pletera" is located in a high conflict of interest zone of sprawling tourism zones and a unique nature reserve. The former wetlands and ever-changing bank and mainland boundaries created by river floods and storms were the origin of this unique bird sanctuary before this zone was illegally developed. Only through great pressure from the population could the pressure of speculation be removed and a renaturation carried out again. This resulted in a relatively large contiguous area that is available to residents and tourists alike as a protection zone and nature park and is already an immense enrichment beyond the regional borders.
Here it should only be mentioned in passing that the built objects are the result of collaboration with rangers and ornithologists, educators and all other specialists. In the broadest sense, the park is an open space classroom for many school classes where flora and fauna can be experienced. It is precisely these reclaimed natural zones that already shine like jewels and represent inestimable value far beyond commercial interests.
The initiated project "Pletera" was a stroke of luck for us in terms of the great freedom that was granted to us from the beginning. It was clear from the start that this project should meet the highest standards of sustainable, inclusive and sensory qualities. It is part of our DNA that we always develop and implement projects together with local people. Short distances, little bureaucracy and a resolute park management characterized the speed and unanimity in accepting the design process and implementing it in a timely manner with local craftsmen. The big advantage and added value, however, was that we were able to avoid interfaces because the concept, planning and implementation largely came from a single source and delays and changes could be made without a great loss of time.
The "LA Pletera" project was able to draw on talent from a wide variety of disciplines. The congenial team Domestic-Wild consisted of a designer and carpenter René and an artist. Here the complete concept was developed and all communication between the stakeholders and craftsmen passed through her hands. Furthermore, sawmillers, weavers and the park experts played a major role in the detailed exploration of the topography. The entire communication/multi media was guided and partially implemented by the Domestic-Wild team. Landscape gardeners and the central park administration ensured the smooth processing of the site and the bureaucracy. All in all, the project could only be realized within 5 months from the first project idea to completion.
As described above, the greatest success was the renaturation of the "LA Pletera" and the irrevocable protection of this zone.
It will become clear to everyone involved in urban zones that are strongly characterized by conflicts of interest that unique natural areas unfold an unbroken radiance and attraction. A quality that offers every man-made artificial development insane and natural superiority in quality of life and space. In addition, natural parks are publicly accessible zones that are only used for the diversity of nature and are therefore extremely interesting. An upgrade like the one we have done reflects exactly this sensitivity in terms of use/visit by people.
The highlight of this project is the maintained wild character of the highly dynamic area. Permanently deformed by wind, sea storms and floods, the park constantly changes its topography and thus also its entrances. The associated architecture of the objects reflects this wild way and creates a successful symbiosis of experiencing nature and objects in it sensorially through the experimental use of traditional materials and techniques.
The main scenery is dedicated entirely to nature. Spectators and props become tolerated side scenes, which over time are optically integrated into nature through a natural grown patina.
Our approach can be understood quite simply as an intensive study of the existing place and space qualities and the benefit that people should take from it.
It's about understanding the character of a zone. It is very important to us to actually be on site, to get to know the history, character and changes in flora and fauna and to let all our sensory impressions work independently; Asking local people and observing what they are doing, how they are moving and where it is best not to be. Only when we have a reasonably coherent picture in mind does the creative process begin to design spaces of possibility, to present scenarios of how people can, should and must behave in this environment.
This last step out of phase one is the first step towards developing concrete courses of action, detailing them formally and discussing them with all those involved.
This second phase is the most intensive discussion to develop solutions together, to find a new product language and to use it consistently in all objects.
The third and last phase mainly involves implementation and minor corrections in dimensions and details.
With a project like the "Pletera" where the specifications are very clear, it is relatively easy to formulate design solutions and to work through this scheme and transfer it to other situations.
Transferring our experience to other projects:
methodology: With a project like the "Pletera" where the specifications are very clear, it is relatively easy to formulate design solutions and to work through this methodology as described and to transfer it to other situations.
technology: the transfer of the design processes to production processes can easily be transferred to small series as well as to medium-sized series. All implemented craftsmen work both low-tech and with digital tools that are easily scalable. In the case of larger-volume processes, timelines must be taken into account much more due to the potential growth of interfaces
processes: Basically, planning and production processes with greatly reduced interfaces or a very well-incorporated team structure offer highly effective processing, which we always try to organize in this way. Scatter losses in planning and execution can be greatly minimized.
products: all products are basically designed in such a way that individual and small series production is always possible and minimal maintenance is required. Repair-friendly and vandalism-proof properties are a must in public spaces. Local, sustainable materials are the DNA of every product we develop.
learnings: open mind is probably the first virtue we always practice and we love to look over the shoulder of others to find new inspiration. We are only as good as others want to work with us!
Global challenges: It is becoming increasingly important to set up nature conservation areas globally and not to subordinate everything to people's commercial aspirations. "La Pletera" makes it clear how important local biotopes are that are worthy of protection - in our own interest and benefit to make diversity and natural spaces accessible to future generations. It also shows the importance of the benefits and diversity of local materials and craft techniques, showing unique processes and results with local people. And it's always worthwhile to further develop and apply the details of local traditions instead of soullessly installing ready-made industrial ideas. This approach also offers an ideal stepping stone to integrate trainees in every process step in a practical manner.
