How did your interest in participating in Casa FOA arise?
It arose with the idea of publicizing VANKA, Cruci’s urban furniture brand. We began conversations with the architect Julio Oropel and the designer José Luis Zacarías Otiñano. At first we established a virtual link since they were about to go on a trip, we saw a sketch and they told us about the concept around this sculpture that they imagined in the space of the central hall of the former federal shooting, without being sure that this space was granted to them.
What is Kingdom Fungi?
Reino Fungi is a conceptual statement that deals with ecological and evolutionary thinking about life and living beings and a space in which nature, culture and technology coexist. The main objective of the project was to develop a meeting place dedicated to education about natural and biodegradable materials, as well as the potential of mycelium in design applications.
What does the design consist of?
The design aligns with the symmetrical rhythm of the space and develops around the central column. A circular structure made of white polycarbonate and metal stands on the pillar and serves as a display case for various species of mushrooms. Around the display case, 100 white concrete VANKA benches shaped like a mushroom morphology are linked together creating a seating area for contemplation. White metal plates hold fungal feces that spread and branch like mycelium. A striking artistic installation has been achieved; entering the space generates a feeling of deep calm and fascination for those species of mushrooms to be discovered, which we do not find in everyday urban life. This excellent result, which has been awarded and recognized in various media, was achieved by linking two renowned talents and a company with vast experience in developing the ideas of its clients.
Reino Fungi – Urban Farm Julio Oropel – Architect Jose Luiz Zacarias Otiñano – Designer SPONSOR: VANKA Mobiliario Urbano @vanka.mobiliariourbano www.vanka.com.ar Collaborators:Crucijuegos www.crucijuegos.com [email protected] @crucijuegos More information: https://casafoa.com/espacio-casa-foa/espacio-12-2023
by CEDOC