Melvin Lim 2A'07

This is picture is of a path of which its sides are surrounded by two glass barrier which prevent plants from growing into the path, and atop both is a roof. The creation of this path is similar to how of which urban landscapes are created. First, a portion of nature is destroyed to make way for the construction of the landscape. The landscape which is created along with the plantation of certain plants to beautify the landscape has measures put in place to ensure that these plants do not invade the space that man has set aside for himself. Man then does his part to protect nature by placing protective measures in place as seen in this picture where the roof provides shelter for these plants that cannot get too much water. Sadly, the shelter is more for the protection of the space man has set aside for himself rather than that of nature. Similarly, man prioritizes himself over nature. The green cactus structures along the glass barrier portray how man tries to have man made structures blend in with nature. Nature and man can coexist peacefully as seen in this picture. Though man may destroy nature, man does try to make up for it by having nature as part of the created landscape and having these landscapes to blend well with nature as well as providing protection. However this nature set in the urban landscape is but a tamed and controlled version as seen in how man has prevented the growth of the plants by setting up barriers.



This image is of a wooden bench under the shade of the plants growing behind it, and in front of it a gravel road. The bench though man made is composed of wood, a product of nature, thus able to blend well with the surrounding undergrowth while standing out. It shows how urban landscape can be merged with nature. The color of the cement tiles is similar to that of the wooden bench, suggesting that man tries to ensure the man made structures created in nature are able to blend well and not be too ostentatious. The road represents an urban landscape whereas the undergrowth represents nature. Man extends his land by constructing structures in natural landscape. In the process, nature is destroyed as seen in the barren dirt that lies between the bench and the road. Although man destroys nature, nature still provides support for man as seen in the image where the plants behind the bench provide shade from the sun. Ultimately, this picture shows how man and nature can be in harmony with nature looking out for man despite the damages done to it.



This last picture is one of a shelter formed by creepers growing above brick supports. Shelters are places of protection where people to go to hide from unpleasant weather such as the scorching sun as seen in the picture above or rain. As mentioned above, nature has dual sides, one that is protective and another that is destructive. It is nice to know that man can be in harmony with the "friendly" side of nature, as seen in the picture where the creepers provide shelter from the heat of the day. The physical composition of this shelter is of both natural and artificial elements, creepers and brick supports respectively, showing the balance and harmony that exist between nature and urban landscapes. Under certain weather conditions, both humans and animals alike will come to seek shelter under such structure. Together, man and nature is more than capable of providing a place of solace for all.

Melvin Lim
2A'07