The human nest is an attempt to create a structure that invites both humans and non-human creatures to linger and thrive. Over time it will transform as it both grows and decays, allowing nature to take over.
The nest is composed of a timber dome surrounded by layers of greenery and decomposing material. The structure is fully decomposable and in time will be taken over by a woven willow dome, enabling the timber construction to be removed while leaving a living structure behind. Surrounding the dome is a dead hedge, providing food and shelter for fungi, insects, birds and small mammals. The nest is divided into a human and a non-human side, creating a barrier towards the water giving the wildlife there some privacy while still encouraging human presence.
We have been inspired by both traditional techniques for training willow, building dead hedges and timber construction. Because the nest is required to be completely decomposable we have been challenged to find unconventional ways of joining our structure using wooden dowels and hemp rope.
Through the nest we are exploring how a man-made structure, plants and other creatures can coexist and evolve together over time, hopefully becoming a place where many species can thrive together.
