micro rewilding /ˈmʌɪkrəʊ riːˈwʌɪldɪŋ/
This book box is called ‘microREWILDING’. It is designed to inspire. The box stays closed and compact when you lift it. When you lay it down and fold it out it takes up a space of about ninety by ninety centimeters. There are books inside the different boxes within the cover. I tested different materials for the books and the different elements. Cork, sand, dried soil pellets and bee nesting tubes remained the favourites to give the viewer the opportunity to set up and build, touch and think. You can now have a look at this work at the Special Collections Museum at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
14.8cm x 21 cm x 13.5 cm
The microREWILDING project stems from the idea that we can create greener and more balanced living spaces, streets and cities by all taking action in (and responsibility for) our hyper local surroundings. In microREWILDING the viewer is encouraged to focus on six animals you can ‘collect’ in your garden, balcony or window sill. You might have to make some changes in your space to be able to attract these animals: take up some paving in your front garden to get worms and air in the ground, dig in an old washing up bowl to create a mini pond for frog, learn to live with little messy leafy areas so hedgehog feels at home. Small adaptations can have a positive impact on ecological changes like (rain) water management, air quality, but also a more stress free headspace.
The children’s book ‘De Tuin met Stip’ has the same six animals as its subject and translates the plan through illustration and motivation to use your senses when going outside, but also handy tips and fun activities to undertake in your garden on your own or with family.
