La Nave VaKURA is a captivating land art installation crafted by Paisajeencontrado at the La Nave Va sculpture park in Berrocalejo, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain. Constructed using straw, earth, stones, and native seeds, the creation uniquely combines an amphitheater, an experimental Mediterranean garden, and a walking path designed to explore ecological processes and conserve native plants.
Curved Straw Walls Create the KURA Living Amphitheater and Structure
Curated by Andrey Brito, this project is a collaboration involving Studio Paisajeencontrado, visual artists Kika Goldstein and Kmilo Morales, and landscape architect Ismael Pizarro. The design features two gracefully curved straw walls that lead visitors through a narrow passage, gradually revealing views of a centuries-old olive tree and an ancient holm oak. These walls not only shape a shallow amphitheater along the route but also enhance the landscape experience by softening sounds and stabilizing temperature through innovative insulation techniques.
The second wall is a living structure. During the spring equinox inauguration, participants sowed native wildflowers and grassland species, such as Centaurea cyanus, Papaver rhoeas, and Plantago lanceolata, directly into the straw. This method exemplifies ecological installation practices, essential for enhancing the natural aesthetics of such designs. The surrounding meadow is left unmowed, allowing nature to complete the amphitheater’s semicircular form while integrating seamlessly with the walls.
A Hub for Botanical Research and Seed Conservation
At the core of KURA lies a 200-square-meter area of natural meadow serving as a site for botanical experimentation and observation. An ongoing program monitors the germination, flowering, and fruiting of Mediterranean grassland species, experiments with various mowing techniques, and collects native seeds. In partnership with the Plant Germplasm Bank ‘César Gómez Campo’ at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, collected seeds are stored off-site to facilitate the conservation and research of wild plant genetic resources.
KURA functions both as a piece of art and a field of ecological observation, engaging artists, landscape professionals, researchers, and local communities. The site welcomes performances and photography while facilitating collective botanical activities. Its materials and vegetation evolve with the seasons, immersing visitors in the landscape’s biodiversity, agricultural rhythms, and rural traditions through thoughtful design.
Its materials and vegetation evolve with the seasons, immersing visitors in the landscape’s biodiversity. Organic Architecture in Shenzhen similarly blends design and nature.
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials are used in the La Nave VaKURA installation?
The installation is constructed using straw, earth, stones, and native seeds.
What is the purpose of the 200-square-meter natural meadow in KURA?
The meadow serves as a site for botanical experimentation and observation, where the germination, flowering, and fruiting of Mediterranean grassland species are monitored.
Who are the collaborators for the KURA land art project?
The project involves a collaboration between Studio Paisajeencontrado, visual artists Kika Goldstein and Kmilo Morales, and landscape architect Ismael Pizarro.