Critical study - Urban nature
Brief description of picture:
This picture shows several plants growing out of the cracks in the man-made concrete ground.
This picture shows a metaphor that expresses the dichotomy between the artificial and the natural world. The man-made concrete ground is a representation of the artificial creations of man. (e.g.. technological appliances/devices), while the plants emerging out from the cracks represent nature. Clearly shown in this picture, the man-made concrete ground has obstructed the growth of plants. In a metaphorical sense, technology has impeded nature from prevailing in the urban landscape. This is true to a very large extent with reference to many cosmopolitan cities. As man becomes more and more absorbed in materialism and decadence, he diverts his attention away from nature. He becomes too engrossed in progression and starts to neglect the natural landscape. Man no longer gains the sublimity that nature used to induce in him. Nature serves merely as a supplement to the technologically advanced world we live in today and it remains subservient to elements of the urban space.
Brief description of picture:
This picture shows multiple rows of orchid flowers all arranged in an orderly manner.
The neat and ordered arrangement of the orchid flowers is an epitome of a typical urban space. These homogenous rows of flowers, which are trimmed to equal sizes and heights, resemble the unvarying contours of skyscrapers and HDB flats. Nature is supposed to be left on its own to spawn spontaneously in the wild, but man has imposed his rational thinking upon the natural world and altered the way these flowers are supposed to appear in nature. This is a prime example of man’s constant attempts in trying to foist his way of thinking into his external surroundings. Man’s idea of ‘beauty’ is rigidly restricted to the systematic form of categorization we see in urban spaces (supermarkets, libraries etc.). He closes his mind to the greater notions of beauty, like those expressed by nature – a perfect example of how man has lost communion with nature.
Botanical garden – a place where nature truly manifests in Singapore’s urban landscape? I wouldn’t say the answer is a ‘yes’ – at least not to a full extent.
This picture shows multiple rows of orchid flowers all arranged in an orderly manner.
The neat and ordered arrangement of the orchid flowers is an epitome of a typical urban space. These homogenous rows of flowers, which are trimmed to equal sizes and heights, resemble the unvarying contours of skyscrapers and HDB flats. Nature is supposed to be left on its own to spawn spontaneously in the wild, but man has imposed his rational thinking upon the natural world and altered the way these flowers are supposed to appear in nature. This is a prime example of man’s constant attempts in trying to foist his way of thinking into his external surroundings. Man’s idea of ‘beauty’ is rigidly restricted to the systematic form of categorization we see in urban spaces (supermarkets, libraries etc.). He closes his mind to the greater notions of beauty, like those expressed by nature – a perfect example of how man has lost communion with nature.
Botanical garden – a place where nature truly manifests in Singapore’s urban landscape? I wouldn’t say the answer is a ‘yes’ – at least not to a full extent.
Brief description of picture:
This picture shows several plants growing out of the cracks in the man-made concrete ground.
This picture shows a metaphor that expresses the dichotomy between the artificial and the natural world. The man-made concrete ground is a representation of the artificial creations of man. (e.g.. technological appliances/devices), while the plants emerging out from the cracks represent nature. Clearly shown in this picture, the man-made concrete ground has obstructed the growth of plants. In a metaphorical sense, technology has impeded nature from prevailing in the urban landscape. This is true to a very large extent with reference to many cosmopolitan cities. As man becomes more and more absorbed in materialism and decadence, he diverts his attention away from nature. He becomes too engrossed in progression and starts to neglect the natural landscape. Man no longer gains the sublimity that nature used to induce in him. Nature serves merely as a supplement to the technologically advanced world we live in today and it remains subservient to elements of the urban space.
This forward force of ‘progression’ and ‘modernization’ has indeed blinded us from seeing and appreciating the beauty of nature. Nature has to ‘resort’ to such means to earn itself a place in the urban space. Examples in the real world include: Tokens of nature incorporated into the urban space, assuming a role that complements and enhances the cityscape. (e.g rows of trees along roads)
Brief description of picture:
This picture shows a full-grown morning glory plant supported by the fence.
Although there have been many conflicts between nature and the man-made world, man-made creations can too exist in harmony with nature. This picture clearly shows the symbiotic relationship between nature and the artificial. The fence assists the morning glory plant in growing; hence helping it to reach out to the sunlight. The shades of violet and lilac on the morning glory flower in turn beautify the plainness and dullness of the fence, making it an enjoyment to the eye for passers-by. These two supposedly contradicting elements can too complement each other and bring about tokens of beauty to the urban space.
This picture shows a full-grown morning glory plant supported by the fence.
Although there have been many conflicts between nature and the man-made world, man-made creations can too exist in harmony with nature. This picture clearly shows the symbiotic relationship between nature and the artificial. The fence assists the morning glory plant in growing; hence helping it to reach out to the sunlight. The shades of violet and lilac on the morning glory flower in turn beautify the plainness and dullness of the fence, making it an enjoyment to the eye for passers-by. These two supposedly contradicting elements can too complement each other and bring about tokens of beauty to the urban space.
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