Vertical Garden
Portland Building, Portland, OR., 2004

collection of Lee Unkrich

This installation was initially created for the Portland Building Installation space in 2004. The intent was to create “a sanctuary in the heart of the city,” with a 4’x 8’ plot or portrait of thousands of natural forms, accompanied by a computer generated natural soundscape. The soundscape plays on cd players flanking the installation. Viewers listen on headphones, which isolates them in their experience with this manmade natural environment.

The term Vertical Garden refers to a type of horticulture practiced by city dwellers who don’t have a plot of land to grow their vegetables. The term involves such practices as using trellises to encourage plants to fit into a small urban space like an apartment deck or porch.