Art-Science Orchard

The Art-Science Orchard is part of DUO’s city-wide network of 25 orchards.

The installation was designed as a collaboration with Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) and Dundee Science Centre (DSC) to be used for various cultural and educational events highlighting the complementary and contrasting ways in which art and science can help mitigate the triple crisis of climate change, peak oil and food scarcity.

The design for the installation grew out of a series of public workshops at DCA, DSC and Dundee Flower and Food Festival in 2013. DUO worked closely with other interested parties including Dundee City Council, Bonnie Dundee, and Fifex to realise the design.

The design brief needed to include a mobile modular structure to be moved with a pallet lifter, sufficient cubic capacity for 7 fruit trees and complementary planting, reference to the Fibonacci series – the design motif of the piazza and a common reference point for art and science – wind-sheltered seating, and a small stage area for poets and musicians. The artists also wanted to retain a DIY aesthetic to inspire the construction of other planting installations across the city.

The Art-Science Orchard is maintained by Bonnie Dundee in collaboration with DCA and DSC. Information about the fruit trees and planting – including edible plants – can be found on site.

For more information about DCA and DSC see their respective websites. If you’d like to know more about Bonnie Dundee and how to get involved in the maintenance and care of the orchard please send DUO an email. Likewise, if you’d like to organise a poetry reading or open air concert feel free to make use of the stage!