The Urban Seedlings
BUDCUD
Plaza del Mercado – Concéntrico 08
THE URBAN SEEDLINGS, besides being an atlas of multi-functional furniture, is a spatial commentary on the irresponsible disposal of city greenery during the public areas pseudo-revitalization processes. Emphasizing the role of nature in the city, the installation re-greens urban space using the means the architects use most efficiently – sketches on a plan. The project is inspired by various ways the architects draw greenery, translating simplistic, pop sketches into three-dimensional objects.
The drawings of greenery become urban totems serving as seating, playground elements, meeting points and conversation pieces. By arranging those in the Plaza del Mercado the installation greens the square anew, offering what trees used to provide – shade, rest and a meeting place.
THE URBAN SEEDLINGS formulate a strong visual statement on the vital role of the city greenery and the opportunities it provides in strengthening local community and enriching a local context.
BUDCUD
BUDCUD is a contemporary architecture practice from Poland, led by Mateusz Adamczyk and Agata Wozniczka. The office is concerned with exploring contemporary conditions through spatial design of various scales, furthering architecture’s agency and currency.
The name BUDCUD is indicative of their area of expertise and design strategy. ‘Bud’ is a prefix commonly added to the construction companies’ names of early capitalism Poland. While ‘bud’ is derived from the word ‘budować’ – meaning ‘to build’ – ‘cud’ translates as a miracle, a wonder! Therefore, the word combination highlights BUDCUD definition of architecture as a promise of narrative journeys through space, accompanied by informal activities and unpredicted events.
BUDCUD makes playful formal decisions and creates artificial natures, where the background is rich, but references are neither obvious nor direct. Each project is then a new collage of atmospheres and textures, a small world of its own rules, populated with distinct characters and events.
The scale of intervention thus becomes irrelevant — too small is never frustrating and too large is never overwhelming. Similarly, differentiated project timeframes are embraced in BUDCUD projects. A temporary spatial experience is as important as the permanent occupation of a space.
Since its founding, BUDCUD has been awarded prizes, won architectural and urban competitions, and has lectured around the world. Their work is often exhibited, most recently at the 17th Biennale of Architecture in Venice.
In addition to delivering projects for the institutional and private clients, the architects from BUDCUD regularly tutor design workshops, consult on international spatial strategies and engage in research projects regarding the future of built environment.