Ninho Globo: Exploring the Relationship Between Natural Space and Human Scale

The Experience of Strangeness in Open Space

There is a strange and profound sensation when facing a perfectly spherical object resting in the midst of nothingness. This sphere does not follow the usual logic of space; it is not part of buildings or bridges, yet it seems to have existed for a long time. What draws attention here is the ability of this simple and perfect form to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation within its surrounding natural context.

Harmony with the Unpredictable Nature

Imagine standing on a rocky plateau with rugged terrain, scattered with ancient stone walls and sparse vegetation, where the natural and human past intertwine in a single view. In this scene, the large sphere appears as a mysterious element that captures the eye, as if it is the result of a natural force or a cosmic presence, making it a visual and intellectual focal point in projects that explore environment and form.

Interaction Between Material and Place

Made from local black schist, known for its ability to split into flat layers, the sphere rises about five meters. The materials used and its spherical nature enhance the feeling of fusion between the terrestrial and the celestial, between what appears naturally grown and what seems fallen from space. This contrast generates a unique visual and intellectual experience for the viewer, prompting reflection on the relationship between a simple form and a complex environment.

Integration Between Art and Community

The hand-crafted sphere was built with the participation of the local community, using the same local stone that defines the geological identity of the area. This approach highlights the idea of integrating the project with its surroundings rather than imposing it, creating a sense of natural belonging while presenting a form that feels both ancient and futuristic. Community involvement here gives the design a human dimension, making the process itself part of the artistic experience.

Playing with Scale and Perception

One of the most striking aspects is the way the spherical form interacts with our sense of size and distance. From afar, the object may appear as a dark moon or a celestial body resting in nature, evoking feelings of surprise and awe in architecture and art contexts.

Mystery as a Source of Power

The name carries a dual significance: it suggests the universe and outer space, while also implying a nest or a safe haven for life. This ambiguity prompts viewers to ask: is it a celestial object, a habitable space, or a capsule containing potential seeds? By refusing to be confined to a single meaning, the form strengthens its artistic impact and stimulates contemplation, providing space for the viewer’s imagination and mental engagement with the work as seen in archives of experimental installations.

Invitation to Enter

Upon approaching, attention is drawn to a deliberate split known as “the Valley,” a fissure cutting through the sphere that invites the viewer inside. This innovative approach transforms the act of viewing from merely observing the exterior form to actively participating in the artistic space, similar to architecture competitions emphasizing interactive experiences.

Experiencing Scale from Within

Once inside, your perception of scale shifts completely. You are no longer facing a massive object from the outside; instead, you become part of the internal void, surrounded by layers of carefully stacked stone. This space allows you to feel the texture and weight of the schist firsthand, creating a profound sensory experience that goes beyond mere visual appearance, comparable to interior design principles.

Exploration and Contemplation

The cool, shaded interior functions as a sculpted architectural refuge, prompting questions about what it means to inhabit a space and how it can provide protection and a sense of belonging. This interaction between interior and exterior adds a philosophical dimension to the experience, making the place a catalyst for reflection on the relationship between humans and the built environment.

Exploring the Relationship Between Body and Space

This type of sensory and physical experience highlights how humans interact with constructed space. The focus here is not solely on the form itself, but on the relationship between the body and the environment, and how a space can influence our perception of scale, texture, and movement.

Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent

In this project, natural and durable materials, such as local stone, were used instead of temporary or lightweight materials. These choices reflect the idea of permanence, as the artworks become part of the landscape over the long term, slowly changing with time and weather, rather than being temporary or fleeting.

Questioning What We Leave Behind

The experience goes beyond visual beauty to raise broader questions: why do we build? What is the purpose of the forms and spaces we create? And how does what we design leave an impact that extends beyond the present moment? In this way, the project becomes a platform for reflecting on the relationship between humans and the environment, time, and the future legacy of the places we shape. More research can be found in research on material and scale interactions.

Art Rooted in Community and Place

The project reflects a growing trend in contemporary art and architecture toward low-tech works that are deeply rooted in community and the local environment. By engaging artists, institutions, and local communities, a space is created that interacts with its natural and cultural surroundings, rather than imposing an external form detached from them.

Slowness and Collectivity in Production

In an age dominated by rapid pace and modernity, gradual construction, community participation, and the use of local materials become a profound experience in themselves. This approach rethinks the meaning of artistic and architectural production, placing value on patience and collective engagement with the site.

Transitioning Toward Sustainability in Artistic Experience

Integrating artworks permanently into the local environment, as seen in open-air museums or permanent collections, reflects a desire to make art part of the natural and cultural fabric of a region. This approach enhances sustainability and provides viewers with the opportunity for ongoing interaction with the work in a real context, rather than as a temporary display.

Place as a Fundamental Element

The location plays a crucial role in the experience of the artwork. The sphere is situated in a remote border area between two countries, where the natural rhythms of the land prevail. The lack of water and rugged terrain reflect the reality of this region, making the interior void of the sphere stand out as a space for contemplation, where the geological memory of the place becomes tangible in cities with unique landscapes.

Art as a Platform for Reflection

The artwork is not limited to being a visual sculpture; it serves as an entry point for dialogue about the relationship between humans and place, shared resources, and how we interact with the environment we inhabit. These spaces offer viewers the opportunity to reflect on time, whether geological or human, and on the impact of what we create on the natural surroundings, as highlighted in research on environmental interaction.

Simplicity of Form and Complexity of Meaning

Even the simplest forms, such as a sphere, can carry complex meanings. Through its design, location, and relationship with space, the sphere becomes a symbol of the interaction between humans, nature, and time, stimulating contemplation and encouraging reflection on dimensions beyond mere visual beauty, similar to concepts explored in projects focusing on scale and materiality.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The project can be appreciated in terms of the interaction between form, space, and the local environment, offering a unique sensory and physical experience. It highlights the importance of integrating design with geography and local materials. This experience provides insight into exploring the relationship between humans and place in a non-traditional way, which is a positive aspect that can be built upon in other buildings and sites.

However, the project raises important questions from an architectural perspective: relying on a massive spherical form in a remote location may pose challenges in terms of long-term sustainability and maintenance. Additionally, the fundamental involvement of the local community in construction raises questions about the feasibility of replicating the approach in different contexts or in more complex projects. Furthermore, the viewer’s experience is highly site-specific, meaning that the analytical or inspirational impact of the work could be limited if transferred to another environment or applied as a general architectural model.

Ultimately, the project can be seen as a thought-provoking case study on the relationship between materials, scale, space, and community. Yet, it remains an experience that requires critical reflection before being adopted as a model for broader application in contemporary architecture.