Floating Forest | 2020-2022

Location: Milan, Italy
Architects: Stefano Boeri Interiors
Lead Architects: Stefano Boeri and Giorgio Donà
Client: Timberland Italy srl., Milan (MI), Italy
Photographees: Daniela Di Corleto

Floating Forest’s goal is not only to convey new forms of environmental responsibility and new ways of occupying and transforming urbanized spaces but to offer a place of intersection and reconciliation between the natural sphere and human beings. A space for sociality where the distance that the individual puts between himself and the natural world takes on new shapes and sizes. The forest has been conceptually and physically studied as an independent ecosystem, where 610 plants and 30 species multiply biodiversity and activate environmental benefits related to urban forestry, in connection with other green spaces in Milan.  

The forest offers not only an environment where you can rediscover the importance of biodiversity and the benefits of nature but also a fully immersive experience, both physical and virtual, that through the scent of the flowers and the tactile qualities of the chosen species, involves all the senses. A range of trees, such as Maple, Birch, and Apple, will be present, as well as bushes such as the Aronia Berry, Hydrangea, Mahonia, and Pittosporum, and perennial grasses such as Stipa, Eulalia, Anemone, Daylily, Purple Verbena, and Pampas. The path through the installation has four fundamental points related to different senses and leads visitors to interact with the latest ecological product innovations and brand values. The sensory elements are brought together through an on-site digital experience, and the experience also is available online for those unable to attend the Fuorisalone event. In addition, the materials that compose the installation are deliberately dry-assembled. This technique allows great flexibility during the assembly and reassembly phases, as well as the reuse of individual elements once the installation will be dismissed.