Vollaard, P., H. Rosenheinrich, V. van Rossem & G. van Overbeek, 2003, Nature culture fusion, Nai, Rotterdam
- Author : Vollaard, P., H. Rosenheinrich, V. van Rossem & G. van Overbeek
- Year : 2003
- Publisher : Nai
- Publisher's Location : Rotterdam
- ISBN : 90-5662-278-1
- Pages : 168
- Abstract : Today's urban surroundings are a prefabricated environment. In them, people are observers, not participants. They exist disconnected from space and time. Within such a limited urban ecosystem, how can a natural system develop: a complex set of surroundings in which time is given space and in which space is given time? This is the key issue proposed in this essay. Such a development would mean a fundamental change that would be directly opposed to the current structures of politics, money and regulations. According to Le Roy, these natural structures could be created by involving available energy and by the interaction of humans, plants and animals. We could call these structures 'eco-cathedrals'. Le Roy bases his vision on new scientific insights. The Chaos Theory, for example, proposes that complex systems develop by means of self-organisation by giving free reign to the time factor. Thirty years ago, he started his experiment known as the Ecokathedraal in the Dutch town of Mildam, a project that was open-ended in terms of time. At the basis of this experiment was the three-fold question posed by Nobel Prize winner, Ilya Prigogine:"What can nature do, what can living humans do, and what are living organisms capable of"? Le Roy wondered what a single person could do and then set about to find out by doing something himself. The result was the building of assorted structures, low walls, pathways and towers that due to their ingenious construction could serve as purification plants for acid rain. His Ecokathedraal demonstrates the potential of human energy interacting with the forces of nature.
- Comments : KEYWORDS: eco-cathedral, ecology, philosophy, landscape design, art. UTILITY: lecturers/teachers, academic research, students of universities of professional education.