Roberto Burle Marx & Plants as Remedy
I recently took advantage of a cyber Monday deal on houseplants (brought to my attention by what I consider to be a targeted ad on Instagram). I have some empty corners in my relatively new (to me) apartment and I, along with many others that day, jumped at the opportunity to bring some more green into my life. It wasn’t much of a surprise to me that the shipment of my order had been delayed due to high demand. While I awaited a shipment confirmation, I found myself reflecting on a more stimulating plant experience I had this past summer while on a trip to the New York Botanical Garden.
I went to see an exhibit inspired by Brazilian landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx called “Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx.” Recorded as the garden’s largest botanical exhibition, it was designed by Raymond Jungles who names Marx as a mentor, having spent time with him early in his career. The exhibit featured plants native to Brazil, about 20 of which were discovered by Marx himself, and elements such as his iconic curving patterned paths and water features. The exhibition also included art and items from his home highlighting the colors and culture of Brazil that so influenced his work.
Marx was known for his efforts toward rainforest conservation in Brazil and used jungle plants that were considered unconventional in landscape design to express how extraordinary and irreplaceable these ecosystems are. As Jungles does now, Marx sought to preserve existing rainforests and celebrate the fusion between natural and constructed elements. In my opinion, their recognizing both the natural context of jungle plant species and the social context of conservation facilitates a deeper understanding of how we relate to flora, particularly in this age of ongoing debates regarding the value of preserving the environment.
I can’t help but think of biophilic design in architecture and how considering natural elements in the early stages of design can lead to impactful and generally more pleasing spaces.
If nothing else, the delay in receiving my delivery of houseplants has allowed me to reflect on the incredible difference between using plants as an afterthought (a remedy to empty space) as opposed to considering them as part of an overall design process.
--Among the current exhibits at the NYBG are some holiday displays like the Holiday Train Show (model trains rolling through New York City landmarks created from only natural materials) and the caroling Sounds of the Season Performances. Happy Holidays!
Leila Mantilla
