SO – IL's over-sized handmade hammock contains 130 trees

new york-based architecture firm SO – IL has installed a temporary landmark for play in the city of columbus, indiana. to create ‘into the hedge’, the studio — together with the nearby eero saarinen-designed miller house — procured 130 living trees and located them on the lawn of the bartholomew county courthouse. after the exhibition is over, the trees can be permanently planted in the garden of the miller house.

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus | video © spirit of space, courtesy of exhibit columbus

the installation developed by SO – IL forms part of exhibit columbus — an annual exploration of architecture, art, design, and community. the 130 trees have been carefully sited within an over-sized handmade hammock — the color palette of which is taken from the alexander girard-designed dining chairs at the miller house.

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus

through a partnership with indianapolis’ people for urban progress, the net will go on to become a series of handbags, totes, or even beach bags. for the other components of the installation, simple off-the-shelf agricultural and construction materials were used to ensure that everything could have a life afterward. additionally, the gabions, mulch, limestone, and stakes that comprise the planters and central pathway will all be recycled into local infrastructure projects.

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus

image © hadley fruits for exhibit columbus

image © SO – IL

image © SO – IL

project info:

location: columbus, indiana, USA
design: SO – IL
client: exhibit columbus
program: site-specific, temporary installation
area: approx. 4,500 sqf / 418 sqm