Credits: http://www.kevinvanbraak.com

Of course, nature arranged on many levels provides an extension to existing nature as well as a symbol of its artificiality.

Should we expand nature vertically to increase the density of our environment? Will we build not only “vertical cities” but also “vertical landscapes”? Is this project called “campingflat” by artist and designer Kevin van Braak a possibility to provide multi-level extra space for visibility and accessibility?

No, in this case there is definitely not a pragmatic or functional approach. Kevin van Braaks project description:

In the work CampingFlat the starting point is to broaden the experience of the space, space not necessarily being physical but also mental. Campgrounds, in a four story high scaffolding building, wrapped in a green fabric, seems to offer a complete package to the spoiled camper or tourists. Everything is present: tents, campfire and animals. But everything is also fake:
the grass is artificial, the campfire is made of plastic, the animals are stuffed and the bird sounds are projected from speakers. Danger is reduced to the minimum and in this way also the adventure of the camper. I wanted to put the attention on the absurd effect on a society where everything is focused on more, faster and compressed. Where for an instant the “over” regulated recreation falls into an obvious illusion. The question is if this fiction can really satisfy us or merely gives us a short superficial satisfaction. The challenge for the visitors was to be seduced by the illusion I created or that what we call reality? Namely, the environment in which the CampingFlat was placed. The border between both stays unclear.

campingflat,
scaffolding, artificial grass, stuffed animals, polyester campfires, tents, sound installation, 6 x 7.6 x 10 meters, 2003

Quellen/Copyright:
with permission of Kevin van Braak – http://www.kevinvanbraak.com
photos: Cor de Kock

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