I lunghi viaggi delle piante (The long journey of plants) is an invitation to interact with a scenographic and dynamic system to learn more about plant species used in food production. The contents – geographical origins, history, culture, nutritional value – are visually transmitted through a recipe that describes the different characteristics. A large infographic panel depicts a planisphere that provides immediate information on the bond between plant species, gastronomy and the land.
Superimposing the panel, on a system of Cartesian axes, a small display shines like a mechanical cursor; it takes a more detailed look into the graphic images they encounter along the way. On the side of the map, a touch screen is transformed into a console that activates the system and visualizes the contents. In standby mode, when no-one is interacting with the installation, the system is activated in a random manner.
The Botanical Gardens were founded in Padua, Northeast Italy in 1545 and are the oldest academic Botanical Gardens in the world. Down through the centuries, the Gardens have remained in the same location and have preserved its main scientific and architectonic principles.
During 2014, the Botanical Gardens have been extended and given an almost total makeover, in full respect of the history of the location. The project by studio VS Associati aims to restore the age-old equilibrium between the architecture and landscapes and harmonize the existing structures with the new additions: it is a major challenge in building construction and, more importantly, in cultural terms.
The central feature of the new gardens are five futuristic hothouses, inserted in a steel and glass arcade; these reproduce five ecosystems found on Earth; this construction also contains the new visitor centers, designed to form a bridge to connect the city with nature; there are also structures to house a bookshop, a coffee bar, a conference hall, workshops and facilities for temporary exhibitions.
Interactive installation
Designer: dotdotdot
Via Orto Botanico, 15 Padua, Italy