© Jon Barraclough . Published on December 15, 2010.

Dismissing conventional distinctions between “nature” and “artifice,” a brownfield site along a key route into the city center is the host of a new public park. A small grove of hornbeam trees, some electrically-assisted, upsets the perception of a stable ground. Three central trees are planted eccentrically and at a 10-degree bias in deep planter box turntables. The three turntables are synchronized to rotate slowly at slightly different speeds. Changing orbits cause the trees to occasionally brush against one another or open up a wide void in the grove while the texture of dappled light and shade is in constant play. The experience is disorienting. From a vantage point on a spinning platform, the context appears to shift. From terra firma, the trees uncannily animate around and past you.

© Jon Barraclough . Published on December 15, 2010.

© Jon Barraclough . Published on December 15, 2010.

Image Courtesy of Diller Scofidio + Renfro

© DILLER SCOFIDIO + RENFRO . Published on December 15, 2010.

Image Courtesy of Diller Scofidio + Renfro

© DILLER SCOFIDIO + RENFRO . Published on December 15, 2010.