The Forest Institute is a large-scale architectural art installation housing a research installation, and comprising the Forest Observation Room, and the River Boardwalk, devoted to research on the secondary forest surrounding the Gillman Barracks precinct. Conceptualised by Robert Zhao & Randy Chan, and curated by John Tung, the Institute—that intervenes into existing pedestrian infrastructure—is accompanied by several large-scale prints of fauna installed in its vicinity, exposing visitors to the different realities of the area.

The project draws inspiration from, and pays close attention to an ancient tributary of Berlayer Creek, that courses through the forested areas of the barracks within an earshot distance from the institute. Prompting an acute awareness of the interconnectedness and interdependence of the perceived ‘ecological pockets’ that we encounter within our built environments, The Forest Institute offers a glimpse at the beauty and mysteries that nature has to offer while pre-empting us on what we stand to lose.

List of Artists: Robert Zhao (SG), Randy Chan (SG), John Tung (Curator, SG)

Image credits: Zarch Collaboratives Architectural Studio