Flax
Henning Schrader
Verb: To nurture/ Material: FlaxThe act of cultivating and processing flax has a rich and long history in northern France. The proposed folly investigates this topic through the act of nurturing both people and plants alike in four different subsequent steps. The field: nurturing the flax plants until their harvest and retting them on the field. The courtyard: providing solid ground and space for outside activities/work. An awning made from linen and treated with natural oil provides protection from sun and rain. The workshop: a place to learn about processing flax—breaking, scutching, hackling, spinning, weaving, and rope making. The hung flax from the ceiling reduces noise and showcases the flax. The den: at the end of the process is the den, a place where humans are nurtured. The movable curtain made from raw flax creates privacy, and a soft carpet floor invites one to rest or to stay the night.