Milan, Stefano Boeri's floating multisensory forest in the Dock inaugurated

On the occasion of Milan Design Week, the floating multisensory forest designed by Stefano Boeri Interiors for Timberland was placed in the Darsena of the Lombard capital. The Floating Forest installation, whose mission is to equip and inspire the new generation to move the world forward, was born from a reflection of the importance of nature. Indeed, urban forestation is a key step in countering the effects of climate change and improving the quality of life for citizens. Cities should be greener for this: an urban forest can become an opportunity to improve the healthiness of the environment and biodiversity, allowing us to enhance our heritage for future generations.

The project, part of Tortona Design Week, aims to highlight Timberland’s green commitment not only by promoting the greening of urban areas, but also by highlighting the latest in eco-innovative products.

It is a meaningful and recognizable installation that stands as a disruptive element in the urban landscape. Floating Forest ’s intent is not only to convey new forms of environmental responsibility and new ways of occupying and transforming urban spaces, but also to offer a place for the natural sphere and citizens to meet and reconcile. A space for sociality where to shorten the distance that usually exists between citizens and nature.

The forest is conceptually and physically designed as an independent ecosystem, where 610 trees and more than thirty species multiply biodiversity, activating the environmental benefits related to urban forestation, in connection with other green spaces in Milan. It also offers an immersion, both physical and virtual, that through the scent of flowers and the tactile quality of selected species, engages all the senses. Among the trees featured are maple, birch and malus, and then shrubs such as black aronia, hydrangea, mahonia, and herbaceous perennials such as stypa, eulalia, anemone, hemerocallis, and purple verbena.

The path within the installation will have four key stages related to the different senses and will lead visitors to interact with the latest product eco-innovations and brand values. The sensory elements will be integrated with an on-site digital experience whereby additional augmented reality content can be accessed via a QR, while for those unable to attend Fuorisalone the experience will be online.

The first area of focus is associated with Timberloop Take Back Progam, which encourages consumers to return any Timberland® product that has reached the end of its use cycle, to be reused, recycled into new products, or refurbished for sale, available both online and in select Timberland stores. The second experience ties in with GreenStride technology, soles composed of 75 percent renewably sourced sugarcane and rubber harvested from trees, to make them naturally comfortable, with cushioning at every step. The third Hear & Breathe stage will include further explanation of the positive impact nature has on the city of Milan and our lives, as well as the concept of the forest as an independent ecosystem and its CO2 absorption function.

Finally, the most significant message will be addressed to the public: the brand’s goal to have a net positive impact on natureby creating social content and leaving their positive mark. Visitors will also be able to pick up their gift, a customizable t-shirt, at the Timberland stores in Corso Buenos Aires, City Life and Portello, as well as at the VF Orefici11 flagship store, where an installation dedicated to Floating Forest will come to life. Through an augmented reality visor they will be able to immerse themselves in the forest in 3D for an experience between physical and virtual.

Two electric cars will be available from this store to take them to the installation on the Dock and back for free.

The project also aims to be a legacy for the city by supporting a local community: all the trees that make up the forest will later be donated to Soulfood Forestfarms Hub Italia, a nonprofit organization that facilitates the ecological transition of territories together with local communities̀, institutions and businesses.

The installation will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 7 to 12, 2022.

Photo by Daniela di Corleto.

Milan, Stefano Boeri's floating multisensory forest in the Dock inaugurated

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