ABOUT NATURE ADOPTED
The world around us is a tapestry of complexity, shaped by the constant, dynamic forces of life. Nowhere is this more evident than in the ever-changing world of plants.
In this part of the world, pure nature is always close at hand. The raw landscapes of British Columbia are immense, stirring the imagination. We visit these landscapes, we immerse ourselves in them, yet we often push them to the edges—outside our city grids and daily lives.
With all the pressing questions of our time, shouldn’t we try to work more with nature? Shouldn’t we bring real nature back into our immediate surroundings? Instead of fearing the spontaneity and chaos of plant life, we can observe it, understand it, and intervene only when necessary—learning to dance with nature’s rhythms.
This approach requires a shift in mindset and a new way of organizing space. But the outcome will create lasting value: healthier living environments that support biodiversity, improve water retention, enhance climate adaptability, and manage drought.
With this installation, we move beyond rigid, mathematical layouts. Our goal is to celebrate plant communities in their most natural state—adopting nature as it truly is.
We will frame nature by creating a spacious, inviting composition, using hardscaping interventions with materials that have a high circular character. We embrace the practice of zero waste, focusing on upcycling and working with what is available close by.
The result: a series of informal, tranquil spaces where people can relax, connect, and experience the beauty of nature.
MEET NATURE ADOPTED CURATOR,
ANDREW VAN EGMOND
Based in British Columbia but originally from the Netherlands, Andrew draws inspiration from both continents, bringing fresh perspectives to his landscape work, and leading to his creation of this thoughtful project at IDS Vancouver. He’s focused on circularity and climate adaptability, creating designs that give nature room to breathe while keeping things minimal and intentional. His spaces are sensory and inviting, a little off the beaten path, but always connected to environments, blending natural spontaneity with modern simplicity.