Today in Rotterdam MVRDV proceeded to install the first of 75 trees in the hanging forest of his art gallery Boijmans Van Beuningen.
The project, completed late last year, marks the world's first publicly accessible art repository. Over the next two weeks, the crop of these large birch trees will be lifted over 30 meters and planted on the roof by the project contractor. the trees will become part of a green forest on the roof. A forest that will surround a restaurant framing spectacular views of the city, in a fantastic architecture project.
The soft birch variety selected by the design team grows to a height of approximately 10 meters and is highly resistant to weather conditions on the roof.
A forest on the roof
The forest on the roof of the Boijmans Van Beuningen depot is a project by MVRDV together with MTD Landschapsarchitecten from Den Bosch. The trees selected to be part of this hanging forest are currently between ten and fifteen years old, and have spent the last three years being prepared in a nursery.
A special irrigation system will ensure that the soil in which they will be planted never dries out. Maintenance will be provided by a specialized arborist who will regularly check the trees to check their vitality, health and humidity.
How long will trees live in this habitat?
Their duration depends on various factors such as weather influences. However, the vast majority of these strong trees (which need little to survive) are expected to remain on their feet for several decades.
Winy Maas, founding partner of MVRDV and main manager of the warehouse Boijmans Van Beuningen comments: “When Yves Brunier designed the museum park with OMA, I helped choose the old trees. Very soon people will be able to take the express lift for free and enjoy a spectacular view of the city at a height of 34 meters. “
