Architecturally iconic and a stunning work of sculpted art, the Green Goal exhibition not only provided accessible information to the public on how Host City Cape Town has softened the environmental footprint of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but the construction and design of the exhibition physically embodied the principle of ‘touching the Earth lightly’.
The materials used to construct the exhibition portrayed a credible commitment to “give waste the boot” – one of the chief concepts behind the structures design. Demonstrating this concept, practically all of the materials used to build the exhibition structure will be reused or recycled to realize a virtually zero-waste result. Sculpted around an internal scaffolding skeleton, the exterior facade was clad from 1,450 multi-coloured milk crates and 17 400 plastic milk bottles. The earthy interior showcased untreated timber surfaces, heavy-set timber benches, rustic artwork, and fragrant indigenous Fynbos. Eye-catching information panels interacted with vivid photographs and vibrant footage, while floating South African sounds weaved entertainment with education in a peaceful yet lively eco-cube.
It is hoped that the Green Goal structure helped convey the impression that waste is not a necessary-evil in our society, but more an indication of our society’s misalignment with the natural systems and processes on which it depends. The structure helped to convey the idea looking beyond ‘waste’ as a homogenous unusable refuse, and to see instead, a diverse and valuable resource.
The construction of the Green Goal exhibition took place under immense time pressure and with limited budget, and success would not have been possible were it not for the services, skills and materials generously donated and sponsored by City Departments and Local Businesses, as well as the collaborative efforts of employees, interns and volunteers. Many thanks to all those involved in bringing the exhibition to life.
For more information and visuals, please visit
www.touchingtheearthlightly.com
