Human Nature, London
Timothy Hatton Architects created an intricate triple height Christmas installation within the aqua shard restaurant marking Sir David Attenborough’s 90th birthday year in 2016. Tim Hatton’s design highlighted the importance of protecting our natural environment, drawing out the connections between nature, art, and our everyday lives and showing how, through recycling, we can all reduce our impact on earth’s fragile ecosystems and species.
The installation comprised thousands of 3D-printed components made from 100% recycled waste plastic. These became the individual leaves and branches of a 9-metre structure flowing down three storeys from the atrium ceiling. The leaves of five different British woodland species were represented, underlining the beauty and variety found within our natural world and the importance of preserving this diversity.
The material used in the installation was reclaimed from common household waste such as refrigerator linings that would now otherwise be buried in landfills. The use of recycled waste material to create 3D-printed objects is a new process that was pioneered in this project. After Human Nature was dismantled in January 2017, individual leaves from the artwork were made available for sale. A limited-edition of ninety leaves was offered in a prize draw to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 90th year.
Conservation charity Fauna & Flora International was the beneficiary of all funds raised by the project. The money will go directly to saving endangered species and habitats around the world. Sir David Attenborough has been an active member of the charity for nearly 60 years.
To date, over £45,000 has been raised for Fauna & Flora International by activities associated with the Human Nature installation.
> humannatureinstallation.co.uk
