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Pirate Technics Under the BaobabLondon’s <a href="http://world.southbankcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Southbank Centre</a> was treated to a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/colossal-baobab-tree-made-from-recycled-fabric-takes-root-in-central-london/" target="_blank">giant Baobab tree</a> this summer made entirely from recycled fabric! Design collective <a href="http://www.piratetechnics.com/" target="_blank">Pirate Technics</a> designed the colorful oversized tree to grace the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/inhabitat-tests-out-londons-wahaca-restaurant-made-from-8-shipping-containers/" target="_blank">Thames Riverfront</a> for the Festival of the World. Inhabitat was on hand to check out the gorgeous art projects that sprang up for the fest - read on for a firsthand look!1
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabThe bright and bold tree rises almost 46 feet high on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-queen-elizabeth-roof-garden-brings-fresh-veggies-flowers-and-a-place-to-sit-in-the-sun/" target="_blank">Southbank’s waterfront</a>.2
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabDesigned by the group of artists, engineers and designers in Pirate Technics, the tree was created to represent the nations of the world that took part in this summer’s London Olympics.3
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabRows and rows of remnant fabrics from different nations around the world made up the bark of the tree, totaling 80 different kinds in all.4
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabThe <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-watertower-aims-to-solve-sudans-drought/" target="_blank">Baobab Tree </a>was based on Africa’s oldest living specimen, which has come to symbolize community and strength.5
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabBy layering fabrics from each culture next to each other, Pirate Technics is drawing a specific corollary about the global village that the world has become, showing how the textures and patterns from each culture can work together seamlessly to create something beautiful.6
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabThe tree is seated on the low river front plaza, and peaks up over 20 feet above the elevated roadway above.7
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabAside from symbolizing unity, the recycled fabric tree was meant to act as a meeting place for members of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-movement-cafe-is-a-pop-up-eatery-made-from-recycled-shipping-containers-in-greenwich/" target="_blank">London community</a>, and to inspire conversation between strangers visiting Southbank.8
Pirate Technics Under the BaobabOver one million visitors came to the Baobab Tree sculpture this summer, effectively reaching Pirate Technic’s goal of bringing people together.9
