Selected Entry
Future Soil
“Future Soil” explores the relationship between emerging technologies in computation and floral craft making. It proposes a method that leverages digital fabrication to design bio-receptive structures integrated with plant species.
Traditionally, floral designs utilise metal or branches as structural frames before incorporating multiple layers of materials to support plant growth. This method has limitations regarding precision control of the geometry and plants at steep angles. Intending to create a lightweight structural system that supports plant growth simultaneously, our design progress starts by creating a tailored nutrient mixture embedded in a digitally fabricated sculpture. These structures are carefully designed to simulate soil conditions and cater to the plants’ growing needs with varying porosity to control breathability and water holding capacity. The changing density across the surface provides different structural strengths, allowing the plant roots to grip onto the structure. Over time, the 3D-printed elements will grow, evolve and respond to the environment, turning the sculpture into a living, breathing organism.
“Future Soil” showcases the potential for lifeforms to influence computational design. The project provides a new perspective on the interplay between nature and the man-made world, prompting us to reimagine how to reshape our built environment.
Location
Sponosr
Creative Studio
“Future Soil” is a collaboration between Yvonne Wong (Embracefloral), Arthur Cheung (Arfalization) and Carolyn Tam (TAMCHIYAN). The project explores the relationship between emerging technologies in computation and floral craft making, and design digital fabricated bio-receptive structures that integrate with plant species.
Arthur Cheung
Arthur Cheung, a registered HKIA Architect, is an experienced senior design manager in the architectural field. He holds an MSc in Architecture from the University of Hong Kong and a BA in Architectural Studies from the University of Greenwich. As the founder of Embracefloral and Arfalization, Arthur merges computational design with traditional sculptural techniques. Through his tenures with architecture firms in London and Hong Kong, he has honed his skills in art direction, design management, quality control, computational and innovative design creations. Arthur is revered for his vision and commitment to innovation and is widely recognised for his work. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, he continues to shape arresting experiences, pushing the boundaries of creativity in architecture and innovative creation.
Carolyn Tam
Carolyn Tam is an architectural designer based in Hong Kong. Her work spans the fields of architecture, art, and product design. She attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), graduated with a Master in Architecture. She also holds a MSc in Innovation Design Engineering from Imperial College London. Carolyn’s interest lies in reshaping how we relate to our environment by incorporating design with material research. Her personal projects have received numerous international recognition and awards, including MIT’s Marvin E. Goody Award, and Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Prize. Her projects have been featured worldwide in the Financial Times, Dezeen, ArchDaily, and Domus Magazine. She previously taught at MIT, and had spoken at events organised by Imperial College London, Seoul National University and the University of Hong Kong.
Yvonne Wong
Yvonne Wong is a professional florist. After earning her degree from Chinese University of Hong Kong, Yvonne studied French-style floral design at Piverdie Floral School in France and Korea, specialising in structured floral design. As the founder of Embracefloral, Yvonne is experienced in event decorations in Hong Kong and Korea. By fusing different natural materials in floral art, she studies ways of intermingling classical and modern floral design as well as post-modern structure through sustainable materials.
