Like trees, human life is about sharing things like knowledge, love and understanding. Trees connect with fungi and mycelium to distribute nutrients, spread toxins and communicate underground.
Being in tune with yourself and your environment is reflected in the amazing artwork ‘Urban Wood Web’. This piece shows passing on as a vibrant flow of energy, blending art, technology and imagination.
“Marnix van de Vijver and Merel van der Linden, as an artist duo, dedicate themselves to creating a better world by touching people with meaningful experiences that stimulate imagination, joy and thoughtful reflection. Their mission is to provide tangible experiences that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also contribute positively to a sustainable future through unexpected encounters.”
Forest of mother trees
If you’ve ever wandered through a forest, you likely remember the sensations well: the calmness, the curiosity and the mystical atmosphere that emerges amidst the small and towering trees. The artwork ‘Urban Wood Web’ takes you to a world beneath the ground, dives into the hidden consciousness of nature. Discover the connection with all life around you, always emanating from the mother tree. A hotel both above and below the ground, a place full of love, protection and comfort.
Fungal network
Fungi settle themselves on the roots and hitch a ride on the tree’s nutrition. They form a network in which they transport nourishment to weaker trees and pass on information such as the threat of an insect attack. The trees now know that they need to prepare for the attack. Fungi also have a filter function against heavy metals so that the roots of the trees are not affected. The excreted harmful substances are then released every autumn in porcini mushrooms or chestnut boletus, the fruiting body of the fungus.
Harmony
All these facts about trees and fungi are a great source of inspiration for the ‘Urban Wood Web’ artists. They believe that art is a powerful catalyst for positive change. They strive for a world in which people live in harmony with nature. A profound connection between human and nature through innovative design, interactive technology and sustainability.
Experience
When light moves through the roots, a soundscape of chords and nature sounds unfolds. An enchanting atmosphere arises in the twilight zone between day and night. The music, a harmony of acoustic tones and wooden instruments, subtly weaves through the air.
Interaction
‘Urban Wood Web’, which evolves with the environment and the presence of people, embraces technology to create a vibrant and positive experience that sparks imagination, joy and reflection. This interactive spectacle invites the viewer to become part of an adventure where the natural world takes center stage.
Technology
The artwork and its foundation were entirely printed without creating waste by a 6-axis robotic printer using 99,9% hospital waste plastic. By using sensors; The interaction between, light, sound and the visitors comes to life.
“The ‘Urban Wood Web’ is not just a dynamic light artwork, it also has the unique ability to be installed in the most beautiful locations all over the world. The goal of the artists is to create a worldwide network of interconnected ‘Urban Wood Webs’ in various sizes and different shapes. This means that this enchanting artwork is not limited to one location, but rather has the freedom to illuminate various places and tell the story of the wondrous communication between trees at different international locations.”
Merel + Marnix
The first created artwork at Zuylen Cemetery
At Zuylen Cemetery Park, the addition of the ‘Urban Wood Web’ in 2024 has transformed the landscape. At the heart of the park stands a majestic Liquidambar tree, serving as the focal point. The artwork unfolds like an organic root network filled with sound and light. During the day, it offers a serene experience, but it truly comes to life in the evening with an enchanting interplay of light and sound. This interactive spectacle invites the viewer to immerse themselves in an encounter that stimulates the senses and places the natural world at its heart.
The artwork is enclosed by a stage and grandstand for gatherings and ceremonies. During a farewell service, it radiates peace and serenity. The roots gradually light up from the coffin or urn, towards the audience on the stands. This symbolizes connection and evokes a sense of unity with the deceased. The last energy is felt, accompanied by suitable music. To suit the occasion, it’s possible to choose music of your preference, along with a matching color palette.
Promoting biodiversity
For a sustainable and healthy outdoor space, sedum has been planted as a green ground cover between the tree roots, creating an oasis for insects and birds. Additionally, sedum absorbs a lot of water, making it an ideal buffer for rainwater, especially during heavy rainfall.
At Zuylen Cemetery Park, the ‘Urban Wood Web’ has been expanded with a grandstand and canopy, providing space for climbing plants and nest boxes for insects and birds. Moreover, the removal of the asphalt roundabout has generated an additional 50 square meters of soil air for the 20-year-old liquidambar tree, further enhancing the tree’s health.
Tune in to the network
The artists behind the ‘Urban Wood Web’, Marnix van de Vijver and Merel van der Linden, encourage people to engage and connect in communal spaces. Their goal is to strengthen social bonds among individuals and foster a deeper connection with nature. By placing the artwork, the artists aim to trigger a sense of connection within the local community. Marnix and Merel believe that the message of interconnectedness truly resonates when senses are stimulated and emotions are evoked.
Contact
Studio Urban Wood Web
Merel van der Linden & Marnix van de Vijver
+31 6 16068046 (Amsterdam CET — Central European Time)
info@urbanwoodweb.nl
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Visiting Address
Speelhuislaan 171
4815 CD Breda, The Netherlands
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Credits – Video. Camera: Joey Bettenbroek. Script and montage: Marnix van de Vijver. Music: Bram Schouw (Studio Solo). Voice Over: Gemma Y. Photo’s: Ashley Oomen & Lea Cammeraat. 3D-visualisation: Collin van Mook and artists Merel and Marnix.