Film series emerging from the collective research work of the studio Material Cultures at ETHZ – autumn semester 2023.
Investigating the complex interrelationship of ecosystems, communities, and landscapes within ecoregion across Europe, this series of films looks at existing biobased material supply chains before questioning how they could be radically reimagined in a post-carbon future. Each of the eight plants studied are the centre of a unique story depicting the intertwined histories of material cultures and their environments. Embarking on a journey across the continent, you will encounter the centuries-old sacred oak tree and the conflict arising from its harvesting to rebuild Notre Dame. Immersing yourself in the world of the Little Mermaid, you will discover how a community practice of weaving emerged from the use of eelgrass, one of the last available resources on the island of Læsø. The enchanting green landscapes of Galicia reveal the true color of monocultural eucalyptus forests, foregrounding the history of this colonial tree that circled the globe and was introduced from Australia by Spanish settlers. These and other plants, including reed, pine, typha, cork and wheat together tell a story of building practices, people and places that are at inextricably interlinked.