Hayatsu Architects and Danish artist Tue Greenfort have designed a public art and architecture installation project in Milton Keynes with curator and producer Aldo Rinaldi to highlight the city's ecological concept.

The project builds on the city’s founding modernist design principles and radical ecological concept of 'The Forest City'. As part of the founding of Milton Keynes in 1967, millions of trees were planted. New residents were given a tree to plant on their arrival. As a result, more than 25% of the city is now covered by some 22 million trees.

Recent work into the symbiotic relationship that exists between trees and fungus sees The Modernist Glade interpret this theme as a spatial response. Located in the expansive Station Square which plays host to a grid of 48 trees interlaced with market stalls, event spaces, and new architectural pavilions, it comprises among other elements a growing space for oyster mushrooms, alongside a public learning lab and interactive learning space.

This project has been longlisted in the installation design category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: Hayatsu Architects

Project: The Modernist Glade