muf architecture/art Installation at King's Cross

muf architecture/art
On their way
Installation, 2020

Central Saint Martin students gather around the table and 24-year-old Carpinus Betulus Fastigiata, or Upright Hornbeam

Passers by enjoy the unusual view of this 24-year-old Carpinus Betulus Fastigiata, or Upright Hornbeam

Liza Fior from mud architecture/art sits in front of a 34-year young Fagus Sylvatica, aka the Common Beech

A 34-year young Fagus Sylvatica, aka the Common Beech.

Drawing workshops taking place in front of a 34-year young Fagus Sylvatica, aka the Common Beech.

This tree is a 27-year-old and 3500kg. It is an Acer Campestre, better known as the Field Maple.

A Carpinus Betulusor Common Hornbeam marks the start of the King's Cross Design District

A Carpinus Betulusor Common Hornbeam marks the start of the King's Cross Design District.

On their way being temporarily installed in King's Cross.

A public realm wayfinding commission for the King's Cross Design District, 'On Their Way' by muf architecture/art saw a series of mature trees carefully positioned in temporary resting places across the Kings Cross site during the London Design Festival. The crowns of the trees pointed visitors from the station to Coal Drops Yard, via all the district’s key activitations.

“What’s better designed than a tree?” - Liza Fior, co-founder of muf architecture/art

The trees on their way from Deepdale to King”s Cross

It is rare to be able to view a large tree from anything other than the usual position; beneath. Here, visitors were able to look into its canopy from above and admire its beautiful shape from an entirely new angle. muf's response to our wayfinding brief subverts the usually fleeting nature of a festival-led commission – re-purposing the available resources to create a space of lasting value, whilst still fulfilling the brief for a temporary intervention. After the close of the London Design Festival, the trees continued on their way to their permanent homes around London.

This temporary installation was co-curated with Modern Design Review and was the first-ever District Commission as part of the 2020 Kings Cross Design District

Company
muf architecture/art, Modern Design Review, Atelier One, Deepdale Trees, Willerby Landscapes and Stuart Inge Ltd.

Place
King’s Cross Design District for King’s Cross Central Partnership Ltd & Related Argent.

Photography
Lewis Ronald & John Sturrock