MEASURES

Two sites at the coast of the Léman, separated by just a few hundred meters, display

contrasting characteristics which become evident through a study by comparison: it

appears that the properties of these different terrains are related by the presence (and

the absence) of human intervention on nature.

VENUSTAS

The first location, being part of a natural reserve, features a vigorous,

massive, dense, and later even impenetrable vegetation. I believe this to be

the main element of this space: it acts as natural wall that separates and

defines nature’s uncontaminated territory with an infinitely complex and

undefinable design. Some trees are high enough to create an overhang such to

create shade while the bushes so tall to cover an average man such to

completely engulf him. These “vertical” properties also play well with the

concave shape of the shoreline; together they provide protection from the

winds, which are “absorbed” by the vegetation resulting in a pleasant sound and

even some dynamicity.

UTILITAS

The second location, which by contrast is a public space that underwent an

artificial transformation, appeared much more mundane. When visited one can

notice that each element has been controlled or designed in some way or another

(evenly cut grass, homogenous gravel pathways, lines of rock of almost equal

dimensions, placed and cut bushes, even surfaces, neatness, etc..). Nothing

exceeded a height of ~80cm resulting in a longitudinal construction such as to

maximise the overall use and accessibility of the land. Even if it is evident

that the intent was to build an environment more fit for us -humans-, one could

argue that a less apparent consequence of such interventions might be a loss of

character or identity. I thought it to be static and mundane: a no man’s land.

(30.09.2018 - K.T.)

site 1                                    site 2

        

site 1                                   site 2

site 1 - plan et coupes  - 1:30

site 2 - plan et coupes - 1:100

site 2 - plan et coupes (extrait du plan au-dessus) - 1:30 

site 1 - maquette de plâtre - coupes avec végétation - 1:30

site 2 - maquette de plâtre - coupes - 1:30

        

site 1 - moule pour détail - 3:1         site 2 - moule pour détail - 3:1

        

site 1 - détail d'un tronc - 3:1         site 2 - détail d'un rocher - 3:1