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Past SPE Annual Conferences

Dana Fritz

SPE Member since 2013
Member Chapter: Midwest

Terraria Gigantica: the World Under Glass

Terraria Gigantica examines the worlds largest indoor landscape complexes: Biosphere 2 near Tucson, Arizona; the Desert Dome and Lied Jungle at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska; and the Eden Project near St. Austell, Cornwall, UK. The project title refers to these enclosed structures that permit near-total control of temperature, humidity, insects, weeds and irrigation to allow the cultivation of species and creation of a landscape that would otherwise be impossible in that particular climate. Each an architectural and engineering marvel when built, they continue to stand as working symbols of our current relationship with the natural world. These giant high-tech terrariums draw from a rich lineage of public conservatories cultivating the exotic but also serve as large-scale laboratories for research on plants, animals, complex ecosystems and the effects of climate change. While these spaces are often crowded with visitors, my experience is more solitary as my attention veers away from the carefully constructed exhibits and educational materials and into the corners and edges of the biomes where facades crumble or illusion fades. In these liminal spaces, the natural and artificial elements often collide, overlap or bleed together and become indistinguishable. Small details lead to big questions about what it means to create and contain landscapes and whether they supplement or replace experiences on the outside. The continued interest in facilities that enclose and display plants and animals in simulated natural environments seems to indicate a palpable concern for the future of nature as we know (or knew) it. Under the glass, I frame images and ideas, ponder the distinctions between natural and artificial, and examine the evolving nature of nature.

Green Ductwork, Eden Project

Banana Conveyor, Eden Project

Beach, Biosphere 2

Canyon, Desert Dome

Condiments, Lied Jungle

Curious Cactus, Biosphere 2

Exit, Desert Dome

Humid Tropics, Eden Project

Mop, Biosphere 2

Nest, Biosphere 2

Painted Clouds, Biosphere 2

Painted Leaves and Dripping Moss, Lied Jungle

Palm Stumps and New Tree, Desert Dome

Pond, Lied Jungle

Rain Forest Back Room, Biosphere 2

Rain Forest Mist, Biosphere 2

Rain Forest Wall, Biosphere 2

Rowboat and Beach Window, Biosphere 2

Shovel, Biosphere 2

Stair, Eden Project

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