Proposal for a monument

In 2022, I worked with a Norwegian artist, who was one of three artists approached to propose a monument for Fjellhamar Skole. The project, although not selected as the winning entry, was an interesting reflection on the idea of ‘monument’, involving access and multi-sensory engagement.

Hasselknippe was interested in inverting the idea of ‘monument’, designing something which sought to create an engaging and multi-sensory landmark, involving a maze of level-access walkways, where planting existed at eye level or above, so that the viewer could be immersed in colour, texture and sound. I devised a planting scheme inspired by Piet Oudolf, which involved dense plantings of ornamental grasses - to provide texture, movement and sound - interspersed with swathes of perennials to introduce bursts of colour and different, interesting plant forms. As a public-facing project, the design needed to look good all year round and to provide interest as the seasons changed.