DESIGNING THE FUNGAL CITY
Vanessa Harden is an artist and designer focused on creating thought provoking architectural installations and ecological interventions in the built environment. Her current research explores how underground fungal networks can inform the future of urban design. Her work investigates mycorrhizal connectivity—the symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi—and translates these biological systems into new forms of green infrastructure. Through the development of experimental studies and design frameworks, Vanessa reimagines cities as living systems that support ecological resilience from the ground up.
Harden, V., & Moreno-Mateos, D. (in press). Designing the Fungal City: A Review of Mycorrhizal Networks in the Built Environment. Accepted for publication in Ecological Restoration.
Subversive Gardener
Subversive Gardener is a non-profit organization that is a platform for environmental education, design exploration and public intervention connected to the guerrilla gardening subculture - a group of individuals who secretly meet to plant flowers, shrubs and vegetables in neglected urban spaces.
PROJECTS
COMMUNITY
CHANNEL
Blog
Wild Flag Studios
Wild Flag Studios create interactive experiences, produce sculptural installations and build public art pieces for clients worldwide. We specialize in developing thought provoking design aimed at cultivating brand awareness at the intersection of art and innovation.
FOOTPRINTS
ENTER THE KALEIDOSCOPE
HYALURON MECHANICAL SCULPTURE
#BUBBLE
OFWONDER
Social Experiments
A selection of archived projects and experiments that investigate our relationship with nature, society and the world around us.
What is a home for solitaire Bees?
is it possible to collaborate with another species?
how can art help make science more accessible?
What is a sustainable shelter for festivalgoers?
© Vanessa Harden 2025