Do Ho Suh (Korea/USA): Grass Roots Square

Do Ho Suh takes the outer corner of the paved square as a starting point and has proposed the planting of a tree there. Between and partly replacing the paving stones in this area, he will place a number of 8-10 cm high human figures in green patinated bronze, like blades of grass sprouting up among the stones. From above this creates a playful geometric pattern across the square. The figures are individually formed and represent diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and occupational categories. The intention is that pedestrians can walk over the figures and use the raised stones for seating.

”I was also struck by the architect’s desire to respect the typography of the slope by taking it into the lobby. (...) For me the continuity of material reflects the tradition of Norway’s institutional architecture. This led me to create a piece about the general public and to respect Norway’s tradition in making something very modest. Instead of designing a sculpture that is vertical and monumental, in the tradition of public art, I decided to follow the slope of the plaza and create something horizontal. At first glance it does not look as though there is anything there. Grass Roots Square is at ground level, the same level of the plaza and the public. It is at this level, the grass roots level, where you can truly understand a community.”