Hello Wood piles leafy boxes for the Garden of Communities
Budapest-based design studio Hello Wood has completed a public installation that utilizes the interplay of geometric forms and abundant greenery to create intricate shapes. Located at the heart of the Factory’ard in Veszprém, their latest creation, The Garden of Communities, serves as a tribute to the vibrant culture of the Veszprém-Balaton region. By stacking leafy wooden boxes in a spiral manner, the pavilion stands as a symbolic monument, symbolizing the collaborative efforts of the 116 municipalities involved in the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme.
It is not the first time that Hello Wood has created a public work that represents an important purpose. Among their most iconic creations were the Sledge Trees shaped like Christmas trees (see more here and here), which adorned several European cities on a temporary basis before being dismantled, and the sleds donated to charitable causes.
‘For each municipality participating in the VEB2023 programme, we have designed a unique planter box, with the name of the municipality clearly displayed on the side, containing a sapling. In Veszprém, which is the central site of the European Capital of Culture 2023, we have set up a Garden of Communities, consisting of 116 planters, which promotes the eternal values of community cooperation,’ explained Balázs Szelecsényi, the project’s architect.
all images by György Palkó © Hello Wood
a blend of geometric forms and lush greenery
Stacked on top of each other, the triangular planters form a circular exhibition space accessible to anyone. The juxtaposition of voids, solids, and abundant greenery produces a magical kaleidoscope-like view skywards, drawing in visitors who can freely explore the pavilion and reflect upon the names of villages or cities that hold cherished memories for them.
By planting native tree saplings within containers, the team at Hello Wood sought to form a biodiverse vertical garden that flourishes and gains resilience as the seasons progress. The structures are equipped with an automated irrigation system that guarantees consistent growth of vegetation. Moreover, the intricate design of the installation offers varied sun exposure, wind patterns, and rainfall conditions, allowing each tree species to be positioned appropriately based on their specific water and sunlight needs.
each container reflects the names of villages or cities that hold cherished memories for them
The historical significance of the site, which was home to one of the largest furniture factories in the region for some 120 years, was also a key factor in the design. To honor this historical heritage, the planter boxes are adorned with cladding crafted from reclaimed timber sourced from the Drechsler Palace in Budapest, featuring old larch planking that dates back almost 120 years. By incorporating these antique materials, the installation not only pays homage to the past but also adds a timeless quality to the work, enhancing its historical reference even further.
After four years, each planter will be returned to its corresponding municipality. The saplings planted within them will continue to thrive and transform into trees, serving as enduring symbols of the unity achieved in 2023. As part of the EKF 2023 programme, the Hello Wood architectural summer school and festival will make a comeback from the 6th to the 15th of July. This time, the event will take place in the basalt mine of Zalahaláp, providing an inspiring new setting for participants and attendees alike.
geometric architectural forms and abundant greenery produces a magical kaleidoscope-like view skywards
