Michael Bell (Unit E, Oxford Brookes University), The fantasy world of Montparnasse – Celebration of hybridized garden and office, 2009-2010
This project explores the symbiotic relationships of gardens and offices through the narrative of a mysterious exploration into the filmic spaces as experienced by a girl named Ophelia (inspired by the main character in Pan’s Labyrinth). Sited in the brutalistic Montparnasse Office Tower in Paris (commonly known as one of the ugliest office tower in Europe), Ophelia explores a hidden fantasy world of living willow trees concealed within the void spaces of the office tower. Ophelia’s exploration is driven by the prophecies from her dreams that foretold fragments of curious spaces depicting a world inhabited with spirited trees and wonderful architectural forms. She was lead on into a mystical journey to eventually discovering portals and entry points hidden within the office interior that allowed her to mediate into the fantasy world.
