The Architecture Foundation Project Space in London has been turned into a dewy-smelling, moss-covered grotto.
Norwegian architects PUSHAK have covered the AF exhibition space in a series of archways coated in soft clumps of the green plant, which is more often an unwanted sign of damp and old age than part of an architect's palette of building materials.
The moss was imported and then tied to a type of foam which was constructed within the gallery space. It won’t be growing during the period of the exhibition but it will need to be watered regularly by the gallery staff.
The brief for the show, which is part of the London Festival of Architecture and AF’s international exchange programme, was to design an installation that explores the relationship between contemporary architecture and Norway’s landscape and natural resources, but at the same time respond to local conditions in London.
Pushak’s solution was to draw attention to a long and unlikely relationship between moss and architecture. From traditional Japanese gardens to Victorian mosseries, the Norweigan architects want to show moss as a beautiful, versatile, naturally abundant material that can work with, not against contemporary design. Requiring little maintenance, the architects argue that the use of moss could be exploited to create new types of architecture that unite nature and architecture.
One final part of their project gives visitors the opportunity to experiment with the versatile gooey natural material themselves. All you need is a handful of moss and a quick trip to the supermarket and the city is your canvas.

Moss Graffiti Recipe
(serves several small pieces or 1 large piece of graffiti)

Ingredients
One or two clumps (about a small handful) of moss
2 cups of buttermilk (or yogurt)
2 cups of water (or beer)
1/2 tsp. sugar
Corn syrup (optional)

Steps
1. Gather up as much moss as you can find from a place where no one will miss it.
2. Wash the moss to get as much soil out of the roots as possible
3. Break the moss into manageable pieces and place in blender
4. Add the buttermilk/ yoghurt, water/ beer and sugar. Blend the mixture until completely smooth. You´ll want it to have a paint-like texture. If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.
5. Find a suitable damp and shady wall. Use a paintbrush, either free-hand or using a stencil, to apply the moss-paint to the surface on which you wish your design to grow.
6. If possible, check back weekly to either spray the design with water (to encourage moss growth, especially if you live in a dry environment) or apply more moss-paint. Beatrice Galilee