UnSoiled - Incontaminato is a project inspired by the pristine nature of the earth, metaphor for ancestral strength, a strength that guided our team in crafting a space dedicated to the cyclical nature of life. Through an experiential journey that embraces origins and ends, UnSoiled reconnects visitors to the most ancient part of nature. This pavilion brings to Orticolario 2024 the experience of reconnecting with the purest essence of our planet. In a world even farer distant from the unaltered, our project aims to celebrate and restore nature’s cyclical strength .

The Pavilion’s journey, leads the visitors along a concentric path that explores the life cycle of plants, ending at the foot of a majestic tree. The exterior structure, made of bamboo walls of various heights, symbolises the plant's pliability and sustainability, as well as representing the local topography. UnSoiled welcomes visitors on a sensory and educational journey, offering an immersive experience in discovering the multiple plant species and their life cycles.

The journey

The journey begins with the Station dedicated to soil, water and nutrients, a crucial starting point where visitors can explore multiple soil conditions, observe water flow in cylinders, and measure soil pH. It is an opportunity to understand the importance of the fundamentals of plant life and the interaction between soil, water and nutrients.

Next, visitors venture into the Seed Station, a world of discovery that celebrates the richness and diversity of local seeds. Here, seed samples can be collected for further exploration, taking home a tangible piece of the region's botanical beauty. Continuing along the trail, you reach the Seeding and Germination Station, where visitors can experience the vital process of planting seeds directly in the soil, witnessing root growth and the wonder of plant germination. It is a moment of direct connection with the miracle of plant life.

Continuing along the trail, you reach the Seeding and Germination Station, where visitors can experience the vital process of planting seeds directly in the soil, witnessing root growth and the wonder of plant germination. It is a moment of direct connection with the miracle of plant life. In the next Growth and Flowering Station, the focus shifts to the beauty and vitality of local plants at different stages of growth, from bud emergence to majestic flowering. It is an opportunity to appreciate nature in all its magnificence and complexity.

The climax of the itinerary is the Maturation Station, where a tree that has reached its peak stage of maturity welcomes visitors in all its vitality. Here, visitors can sit on the surrounding benches and enjoy the extraordinary environment of Villa Erba Park, admiring the unparalleled beauty of plant life at its peak.Finally, there is the Decomposition Station, a final stage that celebrates a new beginning, in the circularity of life. Here, visitors can explore the natural process of decomposition and observe the different organisms, populating the senescent trunk thus showing the complete cycle of plant life, from birth to death to rebirth.

Each pavilion station offers a unique and engaging experience of the wonders of nature, guiding visitors through an exciting journey from soil to fruit and finally to the renewal of life. At the end of the tour, visitors will take with them not only a deeper understanding of the plant life cycle, but also a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty found at each stage of the plant journey.

Respectful transience

The structure of UnSoiled was carefully designed to ensure a synergy of aesthetic beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Using 127 OSB plywood hexagons, the structure provides a solid and durable base on which to build the sensory experience of the pavilion.

The use of bamboo canes of different lengths and diameters gives the structure an organic and natural appearance, reflecting the versatility of this plant. The 1625 bamboo canes are arranged to recreate the atmosphere of a bamboo grove, carefully selected to ensure a natural variation in colour and texture that adds depth and visual interest to the structure.

Embracing the diversity and richness of bamboo, the installation aims to offer a unique experience within Orticolario, promoting sustainability and circularity. Indeed, the bamboo plant stands out for its sustainability, with a rapid rate of renewability and high annual yield. As a carbon sink, bamboo can sequester up to three times moreCO2 than hardwood trees, up to 50 tons per hectare per year. During the construction phase, bamboo reduces emissions due to its light weight and ease of processing, thus reducing the need for heavy machinery. The proposed modules are designed for easy disassembly, promoting recycling and reuse of materials to avoid the release of carbon into the environment. From a socio-economic perspective, bamboo cultivation provides asustainable source of income for local communities, promoting a harmonious relationship with nature. In addition, the structure's modular design allows for quick installation and easy disassembly, minimising the environmental impact of the event.

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Credits

Project developed in collaboration with:

Virginia Landscape Architect

Madeinbamboo

Roncoroni Legno

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