What if public spaces were more than concrete and steel? What if they were a vibrant oasis of sustainable living, inviting interaction with the environment? London-based designer, Lara Bohinc, has brought this vision to life with Utopia—an immersive installation that goes beyond being a mere collection of sculptures. It stands as a glimpse into a utopian future where functional art harmoniously weaves together artistry, nature and urban living. As Utopia unfolds its colourful narrative in the heart of the Miami Design District, it sparks contemplation about the boundless possibilities of a world where art becomes an integral part of everyday life. STIR explores the symbiotic relationship between Utopia and public spaces, unravelling the impact of this artistic venture on our urban perspectives.

Bohinc Studio’s first public commission in the United States, Utopia spans four installations featuring irregular bulbous forms reminiscent of growing cellular organisms and lifeforms. These sculptures are not static; they are suggestive of living objects, mushrooming across the district with their kind yet mysterious presence. The sculptures, painted by hand in vibrant pastel hues of pistachio, aqua, lavender, cherry blossom and eggshell blue pay homage to the architectural colour palette of Miami. These colourful and tactile installations include outdoor seaters, tables and imposing three-metre-tall light sculptures, creating intimate and comforting resting places throughout the design district.

The inclusion of a constellation of nine hundred egg-shaped birdhouses interspersed among the tree branches brings a touch of ecological sensitivity. These birdhouses not only provide colourful refuge and shade for local wildlife but also echo the concept of a utopian ecosystem. Adding to the playful narrative, a giant centrepiece, two-metre-tall egg form becomes a hideout for small children during the day and transforms into a playful light sculpture at night, powered by sustainable solar energy.

In a conscious nod to environmental issues, Bohinc’s pieces are crafted from cork; a natural, waterproof material native to Portugal fostering an eco-conscious design. Sustainability is not just a design choice but a critical part of the message that these sculptures convey. Cork, derived from the tree bark, ensures that the trees remain untouched, aligning with the installation’s theme of engaging and integrating with the natural world. Beyond aesthetics, cork’s natural waterproof properties make it an ideal material for outdoor installations, ensuring the durability of the creations designed by this product designer.

The shapes of these sculptures themselves were crafted with cutting-edge technology. They were milled from cork blocks using 5D robotic milling machines, showcasing a harmonious blend of technology and craftsmanship. A steel frame ensures stability and offers the option for secure grounding; a vital consideration for the outdoors.

In exploring the creative influences behind her latest installation at the Miami Design District, the designer draws attention to the iconic Fly’s Eye Dome. In her interpretation, the dome stands out as a structure resembling an extra-terrestrial object that could belong to Mars. This otherworldly connection sparks the concept of "nature overtaking cities". Drawing a parallel with the idea of aliens visiting Earth, Bohinc leverages this inspiration to underpin the conceptual framework of her installation in the district.

"Buckminster Fuller’s Dome looks like a giant cell organism, growing and ballooning into new cells and this inspired the designs," says Bohinc. The idea of a single egg or cell as the beginning of life forms serves as the foundation for the shapes and visual identity of the installation. This connection to the Dome is further emphasised by positioning the Spirit sculpture in front of it, suggesting a journey from the Dome to the Palm Court, guiding other “creatures” to inhabit the district.

Bohinc seamlessly weaves cultural and artistic references into her designs, creating a multi-layered narrative within the Utopia installation. The large-scale installation features a human-sized egg named Beginning, serving as a light sculpture at night and a totemic centrepiece during the day; a potential hiding place for the curious.

An additional touch of whimsy and ecological sensitivity is introduced through 900 egg-shaped birdhouses, named Sanctuary interspersed among the surrounding trees. These birdhouses not only offer resting places for birds but contribute to the vibrant ecosystem the designer envisions. The collaboration between Bohinc and Design Miami/Curatorial Lab is a testament to the power of art and design to transform spaces. Grela Orihuela, Senior Vice President, Fairs, Design Miami expressed her pleasure in inviting artists and designers to contribute innovative installations that breathe life into the district during the vibrant Miami Art Week. The Utopia installation promises to be a focal point, capturing the imagination of visitors with its thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing sculptures.

The designer's creative journey into functional art began after a 10-year stint with Cartier, where she explored sculpture through jewellery. Following private commissions, she founded Bohinc Studio in 2016, dedicating her practice to furniture design and functional pieces for a living. The studio works with an array of materials including wood, glass, metals, marble, ceramics and textiles.

Bohinc Studio’s journey in the world of design has seen the launch of various collections, including Since the World is Round in 2018 and Planetaria in 2019, celebrating 50 years of the first man landing on the moon. The studio returned to the London Design Festival in September 2021 with the first edition of the Afternoon Tea collection. A second edition was exhibited at Design Miami in December 2021, marking Bohinc’s US debut. The latest body of work, Peaches, inspired by the female form, was presented at FuoriSalone at Alcova in Milan in June 2022.

Bohinc’s design philosophy revolves around honouring traditional craft principles while embracing modernity, resulting in iconic pieces that embody a mix of contradictions which are bold yet light, graphic yet fluid and angular yet feminine. Her global exploration and research have led her to collaborate with artisans worldwide, showcasing her commitment to material exploration and craftsmanship. Her designs have also graced exhibitions, including a solo retrospective at MAO Ljubljana, Slovenia, and collaborations with renowned galleries and institutions.

How does the furniture designer envision people interacting with the installation in the Miami Design District? She shares in a press statement, "All the pieces (apart from the birdhouses) function as either seating or lighting. The aim is to provide a place for people to gather and rest during the day, and also at night, when the sculptures illuminate the seating areas around them.” The pieces described as sturdy, tactile and huggable, invite people to engage with their rounded surfaces. Beyond aesthetics, the sculptures become an integral part of the daily experience in the Miami Design District, transforming a public space into a vibrant hub for activity and contemplation.

Utopia is not merely an installation but a living thread interwoven into the fabric of the Miami Design District. As visitors interact with the sculptures, they become part of a larger narrative; a utopian future that questions our relationship with the natural world. The installations, strategically placed along walkways, enliven public spaces, inviting people to gather, rest and reflect. The district’s native trees and architecture become integral components, enhancing the immersive experience. "This is my largest work to date and my first public commission in the United States. I am proud to be a part of Design Miami/Curatorial Lab’s esteemed group of commissioned designers. It has been a wonderful process creating these organic and colourful forms for this installation and truly rewarding to see them come to life in such a sustainable way,” shares the designer in an official release.

The installation, as part of the Miami Design District’s annual design commission, joins the legacy of transformative installations. The district, a convergence of creativity, culture and urban design, continues to evolve through dynamic platforms for artists like Lara Bohinc. Utopia, with its inviting forms and sustainable message, remains publicly installed until mid-2024, continuing to inspire and transform the district’s artistic landscape.