by Mary Mullan courtesy of The Kindest Group
I recently visited Floating Forest on the River Lee at Hackney Wick. Even though it was a dull, rainy day my experience was fantastic and the journey on the root lounge boat really cheered up my afternoon. Tom Lindner, the director of this project was my host, such an interesting person and a great guide. We talked about the Floating Forest as a project involving architecture, design, engineering and hospitality; the experience and the future of it all.
The project was originated by Tom himself, a German architect and visionary whose professional background was in health-care architecture. Since 2008 Tom has been working on his own projects at ‘The Kindest Group.’ They create spaces which foster kindness and reconnection with oneself, with nature and with each other, with the aim to live healthier and happier lives.
The Floating Forest started with a very small idea that came from a community built raft process in Hackney around the time that the ‘Folly for a Fly over’ was built. Ideas started developing, aiming for the water canal to be the venue and of a tree to represent the oracle. Finally, after getting support from British Waterways and finding some co-developing with Open Visor and sponsorship through Shoreditch Festival, Hackney Wicked Festival and a wonderful group of collaborators; the project kicked of.
It took three months for the project to get to the stage that it is at now; taking into account that thses vessels are just initial ideas and the start of a bigger project to come. They are considered prototypes. The botanical water vessels, designed by Atmos Studio. are a blend of art and architecture in a beautifully crafted and well articulated space.The vessels are made of two catamaran canoes filled with water containers, and attached to a CNC carved ply structure covered with a layer of grass and few flowers. Their life span is not to long but they will keep running until they finally wear off.
To achieve a strong experience, Tom carefully selected a group to collaborate in the making of the Floating Forest. Atmos’ organic and fluid style fitted perfectly with the spatial design. The Oracle experience was concieved by ‘LoversLikeUs’, selected for their expertise in love coaching, while Vahakn came up with the contemporary design of the Oracle keys.
The journey starts with a step onto the round, natural, comfortable, floating environment. Arrhythmic drums are being played accompanied by a wonderful lyric, written by Ro Wodehouse and Katiushka Borges. You are calm and transported to a world of relaxation by confusing your sensation of time. In the meantime, you are asked to think of a question, something that bothers you or that you want to reflect upon and two pick 2 key-symbols from the centre of the vessel. Whilst enjoying the journey and allowing interaction with the rest of the group.
Once you get to the Island you are left to have your own time and reflection. You are encouraged to read the Oracle and find out the answer to your question with the help of your journey companions. The venue is available for hiring, and as it is a concentric space rather than a linear space; one could even enjoy of a picnic or a family/friends gathering. It could also be used as a venue for Public Consultation or even for families or couples in need of conciliation.
The Floating Forest will also be participating in coming festivals @ the Angel Canal, the Big Draw, Camden Lock, Hackney Wick Festival and more to be confirmed.
Rides are £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children.
For bookings or for more information visit: www.thekindest.org
