Is a Mushroom a Flower?
Blair GUPPY
Landscape Architect | Project Manager | Systems Thinker Harmonizing Nature & Urbanity | *329.28 ppm CO2 | ??
Hey there! Let’s start this off with a little honesty. In the world of landscape architecture, especially here in NYC, egos can be as inflated as a hot air balloon over the Hudson. It’s a place where passive-aggressiveness runs as deep as the East River, and confrontation is avoided like Times Square during rush hour. But hey, that's what makes this industry so colorful, right? ???? Let's open up, be vulnerable, and acknowledge our flaws and those of others, hoping to work past them as professional human beings.
Somewhere in the vibrant chaos of Philadelphia's urban tapestry, an unusual collaboration blossomed at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The project, cheekily titled "Is a Mushroom a Flower?", brought together the artistic ingenuity of Miguel Antonio Horn , the technical brilliance of Chris Landau , and the dogged determination of a landscape architect who knows a thing or two about pushing the boundaries of design—yours truly.
But first, let's talk fungi. I often find myself transferring skills and knowledge from one area of my life to another, whether at work or at play. Did you know that fungi can perceive shapes and make common-sense decisions without having a brain? A recent study from Tohoku University and Nagaoka College revealed that fungi, through their mycelial networks, can recognize spatial arrangements and solve problems in ways similar to animals. They don’t just grow aimlessly—they know exactly what they're doing. (Read more on this intriguing study here.) Honestly, considering how fungi operate, there were moments during our project when I wondered if we should’ve just set the wheels in motion, stepped back, and let nature take over. It might have spared us the budget headaches and the inflated egos. But then again, where's the fun in that? What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
This brings me back to "Is a Mushroom a Flower?". In plan view, the mushroom structure for our exhibit resembled a generic flower head: florets (with sittable ends!), a disk, and vibrant stigmas, which were the actual horticultural display of the exhibit. It was a whimsical blend of art and nature, a fabrication designed to provoke the public's imagination amidst a show traditionally dominated by floral and horticultural-centric displays.
A Lesson in Frustration and Perseverance
The journey to realize "Is a Mushroom a Flower?" was a tremendous exercise in perseverance. Our internal design process seemed to know no boundaries, especially when it came to budgets, nearly tripling the modest amount provided to all exhibitors. One of my biggest challenges was not being able to dissuade the creative directors from over-extending our design efforts. This resulted in the final output being overshadowed by the conversations around the sculptural statement that greeted visitors near the entry.
Despite having a clear and concise plan, and the necessity for close collaboration between key individuals, egos got in the way, adding complexity to what could have been a seamless collaboration with our local partners. I was directly responsible for overseeing the design staff and multiple creative directors, providing technical guidance, coordinating with Landau D+T and artist Miguel Horn, planning and scheduling with PHS staff, and managing construction logistics. It was an excruciatingly hot and humid week in Philly, but our team worked tirelessly to complete the installation in time for the opening.
Blisters, callouses, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and aches in places we didn't know existed became badges of honor. Despite these physical challenges, the camaraderie and support we built as a team were invaluable. Engaging nearly all staff in the physical execution and docent activities, I sought to cultivate a culture of camaraderie, support, and a strong work ethic that would extend beyond the project itself.
The Science Behind the Design
Drawing inspiration from the unique abilities of fungi, we wanted our exhibit to challenge and broaden the public’s perception. A study published in Springer highlights how fungi's ability to interact with their environment and make decisions can provide insights into sustainable land planning and development. This aligned perfectly with the overarching theme of our exhibit, which sought to blend art, nature, and urban space in a meaningful way. (You can read more about this fascinating study here.)
The exhibit’s design—reflecting the structure of a flower head—was both a nod to traditional floral displays and an exploration of something entirely new. The mushroom's plan view, with its distinct parts resembling a flower, served as a metaphor for growth, change, and the interconnectedness of all living things. This design was not just about aesthetics; it was a statement on sustainability and the potential for integrating unconventional elements into urban spaces.
Bringing Vision to Life
The public's response to "Is a Mushroom a Flower?" was overwhelmingly positive. Visitors were intrigued by the concept, and the exhibit sparked countless conversations about the relationship between art, nature, and urban spaces. It was a super fun experience, and despite the physical toll, it was incredibly rewarding to see our vision come to life.
'I realize visions and get things built.' Showcasing my "all-rounder" skills, I was involved in everything from overseeing design staff and providing technical guidance to coordinating with partners and managing the construction logistics. This hands-on involvement was crucial in ensuring the project’s success, and it was an excellent opportunity to bring my diverse and adaptable skill set to the forefront.
Reflections and Future Directions
In retrospect, "Is a Mushroom a Flower?" was more than just an exhibit—it was a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. It showcased the demonstrable effects of integrating unconventional elements into public spaces, challenging us to rethink our approach to design and sustainability.
The lessons learned were invaluable to all. It highlighted the importance of clear communication, acknowledgement of roles and skill sets, managing egos (and the disruptive results when they are not), and the fiscal impacts to an office and individual for setting, and sticking to budgets. It also underscored the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of challenges. These are lessons that I carry with me into every project, and they continue to shape my approach to life, community engagement, landscape architecture and environmental design.
So, the next time you ponder whether a mushroom can be a flower, remember that in the world of art, landscape architecture, and city building, the possibilities are as boundless as our imaginations.
For more insights into the fascinating world of fungi and their role in sustainable design, check out these studies:
This journey was a blend of frustration, learning, and ultimately, triumph. It was an experience that pushed the boundaries of design and challenged us to think differently. And in the end, it was a project I am incredibly proud to have been a part of. And remember ... don't take life too seriously!
The Team
Jessica Guinto