Xiaomeng Fang
Hawthorn collab
A self-sustained conservation center for Hazel Dormouse with a care facility for deer that works in collaboration with a vodka distillery.
The Hazel Dormouse is an endangered species that is severely troubled by the fragmentation of woodlands. Their tiny size makes them particularly vulnerable in open land and they barely descend to the ground. However, on the original site, the woodlands are separated by the M4 and have a large patch with very low density of trees. A dormouse bridge that runs across the M4 as well as through the woods is designed to connect the fragmented habitat and with the plantation of the climbing honeysuckle next to the bridges, it eventually integrates into the landscape.
Hawthorns, a common roadside hedge, becomes the hero for this project. It grows well on the chalky soil and it also reconnects fragmented woodlands in addition to the animal bridge. Its leaves and fruits are food sources for the endangered hazel dormouse and locally injured deer.
The distillery takes advantage of the surrounding wheat, barley farms and generates income that can be used for conservation or maintenance. During the hawthorn harvest season in August, hawthorn vodka is produced as a seasonal special.
A self-sustained conservation center for Hazel Dormouse with a care facility for deer that works in collaboration with a vodka distillery.
The Hazel Dormouse is an endangered species that is severely troubled by the fragmentation of woodlands. Their tiny size makes them particularly vulnerable in open land and they barely descend to the ground. However, on the original site, the woodlands are separated by the M4 and have a large patch with a very low density of trees. A dormouse bridge that runs across the M4 as well as through the woods is designed to connect the fragmented habitat and with the plantation of the climbing honeysuckle next to the bridges, it eventually integrates into the landscape.
Hawthorns, a common roadside hedge, becomes the hero for this project. It grows well on the chalky soil and it also reconnects fragmented woodlands in addition to the animal bridge. Its leaves and fruits are food sources for the endangered hazel dormouse and locally injured deer.
The distillery takes advantage of the surrounding wheat, barley farms and generates income that can be used for conservation or maintenance. During the hawthorn harvest season in August, hawthorn vodka is produced as a seasonal special.
A Knitting Circus
Designed for the Cirkus Cirkör, specifically for the show Knitting Peace. I was really drawn to how they interact with their stage settings, yarn, and ropes, during their performance. More and more of it being knitted, or tangled, or cut loose as the show plays.
During phase 1 of the project, performances take place on a boat traveling along the French canal. The audiences sit on the towpath within a tensegrity structure that uses a knitted pod similar to the ones that the performers use on stage. The same structure is carried forward to phase 2, providing shelter from the elements, while creating an enveloped environment for a more immersive sound experience.
The semi-permanent building in phase 2 of the project sits right next to the miroir d’eau in Bordeaux, France. The facade is made up of repeatable elements, where the pattern is derived from knitted nets and changes as space inside becomes more public or private. I wanted to bring the same materiality and playfulness into the actors’ accommodation area, with knitted beds, lounge, fabric bedroom walls, and patterned room dividers. All of which also helps to make the narrow space feel a little bit more open.
Designed for the Cirkus Cirkör, specifically for the show Knitting Peace. I was really drawn to how they interact with their stage settings, yarn, and ropes, during their performance. More and more of it being knitted, or tangled, or cut loose as the show plays.
During phase 1 of the project, performances take place on a boat traveling along the French canal. The audiences sit on the towpath within a tensegrity structure that uses a knitted pod similar to the ones that the performers use on stage. The same structure is carried forward to phase 2, providing shelter from the elements, while creating an enveloped environment for a more immersive sound experience.
The semi-permanent building in phase 2 of the project sits right next to the miroir d’eau in Bordeaux, France. The facade is made up of repeatable elements, where the pattern is derived from knitted nets and changes as space inside becomes more public or private. I wanted to bring the same materiality and playfulness into the actors’ accommodation area, with knitted beds, lounge, fabric bedroom walls, and patterned room dividers. All of which also helps to make the narrow space feel a little bit more open.
