BERLIN.- Berlin's Kulturforum is now home to a living, breathing exhibition space. "Respiration – atelier le balto," which opened on February 14, 2025, at the Museum of Decorative Arts, isn't just a display of landscape architecture; it's a dynamic, evolving process. The exhibition celebrates 25 years of work by Berlin-based firm atelier le balto, known for their unique and thoughtful approach to urban spaces.
What makes this exhibition truly special is its integration with the museum's outer courtyard. Since December 2024, atelier le balto has been transforming this once-neglected space, and visitors are now able to witness the results of this year-long endeavor. The garden has awakened, offering a unique perspective on the creative process. While the transformation was initially viewed from the museum's entrance and windows, visitors can now explore sections of the garden, which opened to the public in Summer 2025, providing a place for rest and reflection.
The exhibition itself, housed in the galleries adjacent to the courtyard, focuses on the very essence of landscape architecture: process. Gardens are never static; they're constantly changing, growing, and interacting with their surroundings. "Respiration" captures this dynamism through photographs, sketches, and plans, documenting atelier le balto's past projects. The museum's courtyard now serves as a real-time example of their work. Trees, earth, light, and shadow have been carefully orchestrated to form a new composition, one that continues to "breathe" as the plants mature and visitors move through the space. The garden has connected and blended seamlessly with the existing museum landscape.
The exhibition also highlights the craft of gardening itself. Tools, materials, and techniques are displayed alongside sketches and photographs, offering a glimpse into the artistic and creative act of shaping a landscape. It's not just about the finished product; it's about the journey, the careful planning, the planting, and the ongoing nurturing that brings a garden to life.
atelier le balto, founded in 2001, has made a name for itself by creating gardens that foster connection and exchange. Their work emphasizes the interplay between plant growth, human movement, and the urban environment. They've collaborated with prestigious institutions like the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and several Berlin museums, including the KW Institute for Contemporary Art and the Berlinische Galerie. Their portfolio also includes public parks, demonstrating their commitment to creating green spaces for everyone to enjoy. This exhibition at the Kulturforum offers a fascinating exploration of landscape architecture as an art form, showcasing not only the firm's past achievements but also their ongoing creative process. It's a chance to experience a garden – and an exhibition – that is truly alive.
