Treeplets

 

By Lidia Chi

 

 

A boom in Macao’s gaming industry over the last decade has led to insufficient green land in the city. Consequently, some designers were invited by non-profit organization BABEL to help arouse the public’s attention towards environmental issues in an artistic way. Impromptu projects (João Ó and Rita Machado), planted a big “bamboo tree” in Macao, reflected this agenda to refresh this dynamic city.

 

“Treeplets” is an architectural art installment once constructed and displayed at the University of Macau (UM) from October to November in 2015. It is part of the Macau Architecture Promenade (MAP) program organized by BABEL association. Ó and Machado designed and constructed it by fastening bamboo sticks with plastic wires.

 

As a fast-growing natural resource, bamboos used in this installment can be reusable. In the project, Ó and Machado wanted to call the public attention to its artistic capabilities, and promote the local bamboo craftsmanship. They decided to utilize local materials in this temporary construction, and make a statement to introduce the idea of a local identity. "Bamboo is still rarely used for art projects," they remarked.

 

According to the designers, the architectural pavilion attempted to shorten the distance between human beings and Mother Nature. Ó and Machado believed that urban density does not mean living in a concrete and hard environment. They thought that there is a need to educate, sensitize and cultivate people that there is not only one way of living an urban life. This artwork also suggested possible roles of public space in nature, which people can gather and take a rest under “Treeplets”.

 

Ó and Machado’s inspiration came from “trees”. As Ó said, “The ‘Treeplets’ was supposed to be in a very urban setting, like without any tree and vegetation. It is because we wanted to talk about the need of vegetation and the green area in Macao.’’ While the BABEL Cultural Organization asked them to choose a site within the Hengqin Island, where people can sit around and gather in a big place. 

 

When Ó and Machado first designed the project, they found it difficult to find a spacious public area for placing this installation. They faced the problem of dimension and intervention. Regarding the city’s fluctuating weather and overcrowded space, the two architects wanted to promote the sense of going out and gathering in public areas.

 

The community paid  particular attention to the “Treeplets”. Students and teachers came and appreciated  the installation. Machado said that they were glad to have the chance to design the installation, as they believed this was a good opportunity to bring people to the UM campus.

 

Ó explained, “Many people visited Hengqin [the UM campus] for the first time. They felt that this was not really Macao. They did not have such a peaceful, relaxing green area in the city.”

 

There were also families having picnics near the installation. Ó introduced, “I clearly remember that the kids who climbed to the six-meter-high ‘treetop’ were from the first family attending the opening ceremony. They were very confident, because the installation was stable, and their parents allowed them to do so.” They thought “Treeplets” was good for kids and the community.

 

Unfortunately, the shortage of spaces in Macao does not allow a permanent settlement of “Treeplets”. While the designers somehow found it interesting as it also gave them an opportunity to recreate and adjust their artworks. “‘Treeplets’ has only existed for a short period. We had to engage with the community, to let others know it was more than a short life,” said Ó. 

 

Machado added, “We used natural materials, the environment and design were also natural. It was all about nature.”