Uncertain garden – Space design for fertilizing uncertainty at IdeaSquare, CERN

Abstract

A Japanese garden is a poetic expression of the universe, containing everything embracing the environment and all life forms that are ever-changing. It subtly reflects the microcosm and macrocosm that are inside and outside of humans, and their inter-relationship. Indeed, the relationships between the universe and humans are poetically deepened in Japanese gardens. Humans have explored the universe in various ways. Particle physics, for instance, has allowed humans to unveil the universe through fundamental theories and experiments. Yet, what humans have discovered is but a small fragment of the whole structure of the universe. In quantum mechanics, the theory forming the basis of particle physics, nothing is certain within this universe. In other words, everything is uncertain. Believing that this uncertainty would bring freedom of thoughts, fertilizing the creativity of humans, the authors would like to challenge this question: how can we approach the essence of the universe through the idea of ‘uncertainty’ together with the art of creating a Japanese garden? This is addressed through the design of the Uncertain Garden at IdeaSquare, the R&D innovation platform at CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire), and Zojo-ji, a temple in Tokyo. The basic characteristics of IdeaSquare can be found in its concept of openness – an acceptance of others having different values in an international, interdisciplinary environment. This project creates a space where visitors and collaborators at CERN can think about and realize the richness of uncertainty, leading to positive effects in their works and lives. Furthermore, this garden is expected to open up a new way of innovation at the fundamental level, finding subtle beauty in uncertainty. For instance, its design will be influenced by the uncertain aspects of nature, such as the shapes of water waves and effects of lighting. This paper describes the creative process and realization of the Uncertain Garden.