Developing from work presented in ‘Endnote, tooth’ at MAM (Musée D’art Moderne De La Ville De Paris) which commented on the biomorphic work of Austrian architect and sculptor Frederick Kiesler (an example would be the Endless House Project), and in conjunction with certain structural ideas from Portuguese architect Chaves da Costa, Kiaer will present a new project entitled “Quick City, plant breath.”

This project will comprise of architectural models, paintings and inflatables that are reminiscent of the improvised structures of contemporary American architect Peter de Brettville and Craig Hodgetts, an architect that employs high technology and story-telling to his designs.

In particular, Kiaer will focus on how these structures might be taken further by looking at ideas of vegetal breathing as recently proposed by philosopher Michael Marder.

Michael Marder is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country, and focuses his teachings on environmental thought.

His most recent book Through Vegetal Being discusses vegetal breathing. Vegetal breathing looks at how plants contribute to human development by sustaining our breathing, nourishing our senses, and keeping our bodies and minds alive. Marder notes the importance of returning to ancient traditions to revive a culture closer to nature. This points towards a more universal way of becoming human, one that is embedded in the vegetal world.