Milan 2014: trees appear to float within this forest-like installation by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, at Cassina's stand at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan this week (+ slideshow).
Sou Fujimoto's Floating Forest suspends trees contained in mirrored cubes throughout Cassina's space at the furniture fair, exploring the architect's interest in the contrast of nature and architecture within the Italian brand's Milan exhibition space.
"I feel that Italian design is very powerful because of their history and because of their visions for the future," Fujimoto told Dezeen. "They have both, not only traditions, and can still maintain the identity and quality of Italian design."
Each hanging container is suspended from metal wires and covered with mirrors on the outside to reflect the trees and give the appearance of effortlessly hovering throughout the exhibition.
The furniture is arranged as individual rooms on a gridded floor plan.
"Some of the trees are floating at different heights to create articulations from space to space," Fujimoto explained. "The installation creates the excitement of walking around as the scene is gradually opening up to you."
The installation comprises a mixture of hanging trees as well as freestanding trees, arranged purposely to allow maximum floor space for visitors to pass through the showroom. "The trees are similar to the typical Japanese tree Momiji, as the shape is beautiful and the leaves are very delicate," said the architect.
The piece will be installed at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Hall 20 Stand D1/E6, until Sunday.