Henri Matisse Park // Gilles Clément

 Henri Matisse Park // Gilles Clément

In many of Gilles Clément's projects, he emphasizes the ecological importance of small abandoned spaces and their essential role in creating biodiverse systems. He proposes that projects should include 'free' spaces, where biodiversity can evolve on its own, in its own time. Inspired by this concept, my design for North Place incorporates such a space within the tiered roofs of the arts center building and its rooftop forest. This area is intentionally designed to be inaccessible to people, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed while being viewed from afar.

Clément's idea of a place apart from human interaction is exemplified in Matisse Park, where a 3,000-square-meter area is elevated 7 meters and is accessible solely to animals, plant seeds, sun, and water. The structure appears as if it has been pushed up from below or extruded in a digital modeling program like SketchUp. This design has an otherworldly quality, with its uneven, culturally unappealing bare earth contrasting against its vertical lines and linear structure—a distinctly human construct. It serves as an artistic statement rather than something purely natural.

This concept starts a conversation about our perception of nature. By placing nature out of reach and out of sight, it provokes the explorer in us and the frustration of not being able to access something potentially beautiful. This duality underscores the notion that once seen, such a space might be spoiled, preserving its pristine condition as long as it remains a mystery.