Between the trees in Cologne

The exhibition “Between the trees” at the Museum of Applied Arts in Cologne shows the complexity of the urban tree. And also conveys its relevance for people and the environment. Read all about the exhibition here.

Since the beginning of February, a new exhibition at the Museum of Applied Arts in Cologne(MAKK) has been all about trees. The exhibition “Between the trees” highlights the relevance of urban trees in various ways. After all, they perform key cooling and air purification functions for the urban environment. At the same time, they serve to regulate rainwater. Last but not least, numerous studies have shown the impact of a green environment on the mental and psychological health of city dwellers. In addition to all these essential aspects of life, the tree also serves as an inspiration for people. The exhibition also highlights the tree as a material and spiritual resource for design and art.

The MAKK will showcase this range through international projects that deal with the tree in an urban context. Representatives from the fields of conceptual design, industrial design, arts and crafts and fine arts are taking part in the exhibition. Thanks to the diversity of approaches, “Between the Trees” paints a multi-layered picture of the tree as an object. The material, functional and aesthetic components are to be presented to visitors in equal measure. For example, the artists place the significance for climate change alongside an examination of the availability and use of the raw material. Or, on the one hand, address issues of urban planning, while at the same time fundamentally addressing the domestication of nature. Through the approachable object of the tree as a representative of the entire wealth of nature, abstract concepts become more tangible. And visitors can approach topics such as sustainability or the importance of natural habitats in an emotional way.

“Between the trees” is divided into three sections. The biological-climatic level, entitled “Rethinking the tree”, offers an overview of the essential functions that trees perform for the earth’s ecosystem. Designers at the MAKK are inspired by these abilities and show inventions that are based, for example, on the careful use of resources. In addition to the biological-functional properties, this section of the exhibition also shows the challenges posed by the urban environment and climate change.

The material level, subtitled “The tree used in a new way”, shows the variety of materials that trees provide for humans. In addition to wood, these include cellulose, lignin, bark and leaves. Furthermore, not all wood is the same. Weight, flexibility and hardness vary depending on the tree. And that’s not all. As a living material, it is constantly changing. The impressive diversity is offset by hard facts. Although renewable, wood as a raw material is also limited. The exhibition pays particular attention to the scarcity of resources and at the same time shows ways of using them sparingly in the future.

The second exhibition area, the cultural level, is subtitled “The tree reinterpreted”. This shows an interesting change of perspective. It is well known what positive effects trees have on the urban environment. However, little attention is paid to how trees fare under the influence of the urban environment. Exhaust fumes, sealed soils and water shortages are challenges that urban trees have to contend with on a daily basis. At the MAKK, the artists ask themselves what a respectful coexistence could look like. For example, design approaches will be presented from the perspective of trees. In a vision of the future, the tree could be perceived as a living subject and not just as part of street furniture.

The exhibition was created in collaboration between the MAKK and the Ökorausch Think Tank e.V. In addition to the exhibition, public events will accompany the program. Fruit trees will also be donated to private individuals with the support of the German Forest Protection Association. In the spirit of the Edible City of Cologne campaign, the exhibition is thus growing beyond the boundaries of the museum and will nourish local residents in the future. “Between the trees” can be seen in Cologne until April 16 of this year.

The exhibition “Garden Futures” can be seen at the Vitra Design Museum until October 2023. It shows the importance and design of the garden through the ages in a variety of ways. And its role for the future. Find out more here: Garden Futures.