'Spatial exploring by making drawings'

'Operating consciously and intuitively'

'Assignments for clients and personal topics'

'Some personal topics are particularly on my mind':

Men and Nature | The changing spiritual City fabric', If you feel drawn to any of these topics and wish to discuss further, please don't hassitate to contact.

*Men and Nature

For centuries, humans have lived as guests in nature, engaging in a continuous struggle to conquer the elements of nature. However, in the last century, this is radically changing, and the roles seem to be increasingly reversing. Nature is increasingly shaped by humans in service to humans, with genuine natural landscapes playing less of a role. In the Netherlands, for example, only a few real natural landscapes (around the coastal areas) can still be identified.

In the growing urban landscapes, space is becoming increasingly scarce, with the need for construction outweighing the preservation of nature. Where nature is preserved, it is often in the form of designed parks for recreation and relaxation in service to humans. Buildings and houses aim to keep nature out as much as possible, forming a kind of bastion against pests, bacteria, fungi, pollen, etc. Artificial plants are an example where the role of nature is reduced to merely a decorative piece.

If we observe these developments and extrapolate them over a few centuries, what kind of relationship do we see emerging between humans and nature? Will the role of nature only continue to exist in service to humans (providing food, regulating climate and oxygen, offering recreation and relaxation)? Or are there multiple relationships between humans and nature of which we are currently unaware?

Will we become so estranged from nature that certain trees and plants can only be admired in museums? Will we develop extensive vertical farms in controlled environments to efficiently utilize space and protect crops from polluted air and radiation? Will vertical wild forests be the solution for limited urban space? Or will hybrid-like structures emerge where both humans and nature can coexist in harmony? What future scenarios are conceivable?

*The changing spiritual city fabric'

In the increasingly bustling city, there is a growing need for quiet spaces. Old serene places like religious buildings are disappearing, so are new places being considered?

Currently, the spiritual landscape is undergoing profound change. Over the past decades, numerous churches and monasteries have vanished from the urban landscape. In addition to their religious function, these buildings also served as foundations for spiritual reflection and community, forming an integral part of the urban fabric.

Moreover, our cities are becoming busier and noisier. Daily life is dominated by external distractions and hectic routines. The nighttime skyline of the city center is dominated by flashing lights, advertisements, and traffic noise. Amidst this hustle and bustle, little thought is often given to the importance of quiet places or spiritual spaces. We sometimes forget that the pursuit of inner peace, reflection, and connection to something greater than ourselves is an essential part of human existence.

However, the human need for spiritual expression does not seem to diminish, but rather increase. We are witnessing a shift and a quest where traditional religious-oriented spirituality is giving way to more individual or differently oriented forms of spirituality.

Modern cities offer a wide range of alternative ways in which spirituality can be expressed, as discussed earlier, such as yoga and meditation centers, wellness practices, cultural events, and more.

Rarely is there consideration given to creating special spaces for spiritual experience in new neighborhoods. Awareness seems to be lacking. The spiritual landscape is undefined and fragmented.

There is an urgent need for clarity and a clear vision to understand and fulfill the evolving spiritual needs of society and to develop new spiritual spaces that enrich the urban fabric."

Contactinfo

Lex Hildenbrant | 10~07~1981

Eindhoven, The Netherlands

T:+610260996 E: info@hildenbrant.com

KvK: 56391420

*images on this site made by Lex Hildenbrant