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 through the fungal network. 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.
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.
Discover The Urban Wood Web
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 100% hospital waste plastic. By using sensors; the interaction between, light, sound and the visitors comes to life.
Key Facts
Underneath every step you take, there are nearly 500 kilometers of fungal threads.
A large tree has a cooling capacity equivalent to ten air conditioners.
Fungi are beneficial for storing one-third of all CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.
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The Web
The ‘Urban Wood Web’ is not only 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.
About the artists
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.