Article by Janna de Ruijter
Mooi! Is the permanent rubric that is published once for every theme. Each time, a different member of the editorial team writes about a landscape architecture or planning project that fascinates them. For this edition of Minimalism, Janna writes about the invisible architecture in landscapes.
Over the last months, I’ve been immersed in my bachelor thesis on providing thermal comfort in urban areas of Saudi Arabia, where rapid Urbanization has transformed cities adopting Western-style urban planning characterized by wide streets, limited green spaces, and suburban sprawl dominated by private properties and large homes. In my research, I came across concepts of biophilic design and using existing topography to create resilience in urban landscapes. But, next to that, I got immersed in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM projects, including The Line, a proposed 170 km long linear city encased in reflective exterior layers that mirror the surrounding desert landscape. Though controversial, this bold vision embodies the essence of invisible architecture (figure 1).
Figure 1 : The line, reflecting surrounding dessert landscape. (THE LINE a Revolution in Urban Living, n.d.)
Architecture is often celebrated for its ability to declare function and value through its physical presence (Jasim et al., 2021). However, what happens when a building disappears, becoming invisible or hard to distinguish at first glance? Invisible architecture extends the design in minimalism to new heights, merging human interventions with nature seamlessly that results feel untouched. This approach highlights native materials, subtle forms, and a profound understanding of natural systems, creating spaces that harmonize with their surroundings rather than dominating them.
Invisible architecture techniques can differ from merging structures into the landscape, camouflaging them, or utilizing optical illusion (Jasim et al., 2021). While not uncommon, these concepts remain underutilized in mainstream architecture. During my thesis, I was particularly inspired by the projects that follow these concepts and looked into ways to integrate them into urban design.
One such example is the Wasit Wetland Center in Sharjah (figure 2). The design took advantage of the site’s natural topography to minimize the visual impact by submerging the design into the ground. The center features a clean entrance ramp into a building that leads to an open hallway, showcasing the biodiversity of the wetland landscape. A space clearly designed but from the outside not as visible as it blends into the surroundings.
Figure 2: Wasit Wetland Center in Sharjah. (Viva, 2020)
Another example is the Invisible Barn, a two-dimensional art installation that uses mirrored surfaces to reflect its surroundings (figure 3). Through changing seasons, the structure interacts with the landscape, highlighting the surrounding plants and species.
Closer to home, the Moses Bridge in the Netherlands demonstrates a practical application of invisible architecture. The bridge parts the moat to create a walkway between different parts of the historical fortress from the West Brabant Water line (figure 4). Being hidden from sight the structure integrates with the landscape and does not distract the cultural essence of its surroundings.
Figure 3: Invisible Barn. (Urbanist & Urbanist, 2014)
Figure 4 : Moses Bridge in the Netherlands. (Faena, 2020)
Invisible architecture can offer numerous benefits for the future of design, creating designs where architecture and landscapes can integrate while adapting to changing climates (Shifting Landscapes In-Between Times - Harvard Design Magazine, 2024). By blending with existing environments rather than imposing upon them, this approach enhances the preservation of natural beauty in a world of design. It is particularly valuable in culturally significant places or ecologically fragile areas, where maintaining the integrity of landscapes is essential.
The minimalist approach of invisible architecture minimizes distractions of spaces and creates deeper engagement with outdoor spaces. By hiding the physical presence of buildings, the focus shifts to the surrounding landscapes. During my bachelor's in landscape architecture, I learned that minimalism strips design to its essence, highlighting intentionality and harmony. Invisible architecture extends this principle, elevating architecture to merge function with environmental sensitivity.
As we move towards a future that prioritizes sustainability and ecological balance, invisible landscape architecture holds promise as a thoughtful, impactful approach (Cutieru, 2024). It challenges us to rethink the relationship we have with the spaces we inhabit. Emphasizing coexistence between nature and architecture rather than one dominance. Invisible architecture offers a concept of design that aligns with the growing need for harmony between human creations and the natural world (figure 5).
Figure 5 : invisible bridge. (Invisible Bridge by Scapelab, n.d.)
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