Categorie: Ontwerp

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Forestia oldemanii

The impressive dissertation of Roelof Oldeman (1974, summa cum laude) shows the natural forest’s complexity, dynamics and beauty. Oldeman combined morphogenetic, ecological and physiological concepts, allowing the structural analysis of the populations of trees to explain and understand the forest.

This (holistic) combination of sciences is also needed to understand the ecosystem society and its (public) governance. Now, this scientific landscape is scattered and segmented. Can public administration and corporate governance sciences learn from the forest approach?

Source: Oldeman (1974) part of fig 42. – Profil d’une parcelle de forêt d’environ 30 X 40 m dans la region de Saül, à une altitude de 285 m

This design is a personal redraw and colouring exercise by me as one of his students. I call it Forestia oldemanii. An ode to my teacher and dear friend.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Forestia oldemanii [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Oldeman, R.A.A. (1974, 2nd ed.). L’architecture de la forêt guyanaise. Mémoires ORSTOM, 73.

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Wind of change

Change can happen if thinking outside the box is made applicable inside the box. Combining the house of cards and the strategic chess play can open new doors. The wind of change can just start at one place on the chess board. From there, it can influence the course and level playing field of the complete canvas of society. The chess board is a metaphor for society. The spade is formally associated with spear, leaf and shovel. We need all three.

All systemic changes started like this, with just one idea or one action in one place. This thought empowers hope for a better world. Hope is intrinsic and is about direct personal involvement (Cornel West), and “Hope is the thing with feathers” (Emily Dickinson). Actual change always starts somewhere.

From today on, we need to change more than ever because the direction in which we walk is not the right one. UN Secretary-General António Guterres even talked about hell on the 27th (!) climate top. It is good to know “we all can make a difference”, as Obama stated once.

We need all to turn the tide of loss and injustice (among others) and to keep democracy and our natural ecosystems alive and kicking. We need the spade more than ever against upcoming autocracy, populism, racism, fascism, greed and the world of denial and fake. The spade it is. A personal expression.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2022) Wind of Change [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

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64 Governments

 
A still reminder on the office. Society seen from above. From a citizen, street or society perspective, one can count 64 governments active at the same time. Need care? There are many offices, companies and subsystems busy. Stop at one point in a street and count the different operational policy plans or consider the distinct accent of responsibilities in the diverse governmental layers and teams of mayors, aldermen, deputies or ministers. One government does not exist, only in our minds. 64 is magic and, at the same time, from a governance perspective, an impossible number because of the fragmentation and segmentation of responsibilities, rules and regulations. It is the chessboard in a new perspective. Bibliography Kruf, J. (2017) 64 Governments [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.
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Recall the Forest

Once, a pristine forest was covering the earth. The total area is highly reduced. Recall the forest is essential in an overall humanly steered system world. Let us not forget. 

Kruf, J. (2023) Recall the Forest [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

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Diversity in the City

 

Diversity in the City
Fine art print in room (50×50 cm)

The diversity in the city is noteworthy. Many communities live side by side, each having fibres and fragrances. For public governance, it is essential to respect them and take care of a wide range of policy-making and implementation.

Kruf, J. (2023) Diversity in the City [digital art print]. Breda: Private collection.