On Urban Spaces

My daily working life, situated in Circular Quay, offers unparalleled views of Sydney's  three most defining features: the Opera House, the Harbour and the Bridge. These elements have become important parts of my urban environment, the space, the fresh air, the reminder that I am in the heart of the largest city in my country but have time to sit and watch ducks chill on lapping shores.

A few weeks ago the city council placed this piece of art in the centre of my routine. A giant cage hemming in growing, if not full grown, native Australian flora. A reminder that the buildings we live in are but constructs, the buses we catch are but transport, that life continues and adapts in the heart of the cities we have created to house our people. Sydney has quite a lot of well preserved nature lying around, quite often I catch myself wondering what this terrain looked like before concrete was laid, foundations drilled and buildings constructed.

'Silent Escape' encapsulates humankind's attempt to harness, and even control, the processes of nature. It shows nature's capacity to adapt, and its quiet power to expand its domain between an beyond the confines of the bars. Should we ignore the effects of our continuing  exploitation, then perhaps we shall be too late to recognise the creation of our own prison. As the City looks towards Sustainable Sydney 2030, it is important to ensure the balance between the built and natural environments.

Silent Escape - Alex Kosmas