N-swaddle

The N-swaddle is a hanging multidimensional garden, defying horizontal and vertical binaries. It incubates plants using microorganisms within a living fabric structure, exploring primary succession in the urban artificiality of the Gasholder Park in King’s Cross, London.Microorganisms, such as rhizobacteria, and phototrophic organisms, such as cyanobacteria and microalgae, are keystone groups that improve soil nutrient availability and help bind the soil together, nurturing larger flora. Offering an alternative plant ecosystem, in contrast to the poor bio-receptivity of surrounding structures, the scheme increases biodiversity and green space by inviting new species into its enveloping fabric form. Its ephemeral nature arises from the in-situ degradation of waste fabric that initially holds its containing soil in place. N-swaddle challenges us to treat our microbiota and soil with the same fervour as our own offspring.