Guest Post by Britni Harvison, Creative Director, FYOOG (an IA Interior Architects company)

What does it mean to belong? FYOOG set out to answer this question with Fleurish, an installation that redefines and broadens the idea of community by inviting people to discover connections they might not have noticed before.

It also reshapes the value of art itself, transforming it into a medium for personal expression and building meaningful community connections. Inspired by the beauty of diverse global flora, it demonstrates how a simple flower can symbolize growth, hope, and collective purpose. Designed to evolve with every audience, it invites reflection, collaboration, and a deeper sense of belonging. In 2024, FYOOG brought this vision to life for IA Interior Architects’ 40th anniversary, culminating in a dynamic, interactive display at the CoreNet Global Summit in Washington, D.C., after a series of events hosted by IA studios worldwide.

Thousands of flowers crafted from recycled paper form the heart of the installation. Each flower draws inspiration from regional flora, celebrating the natural beauty and identity of communities across the globe. These blooms, arranged in reflective pods, create a textured field that invites participants to wander through and immerse themselves in a shared narrative of connection and growth. The visual impact—a shimmering sea of sustainable blossoms—not only captivates but sparks meaningful conversations.

Participation is at the core of Fleurish’s purpose. At each local event throughout the year, attendees selected a flower and inscribed a personal message about how they contribute to their community’s “fleurishing.” These messages transformed the flowers into symbols of collective intention, weaving a tapestry of hope and shared purpose. By engaging participants directly, Fleurish doesn’t just reflect community-- it actively builds it, creating a lasting legacy of collaboration.

In an era where sustainability and authentic engagement are increasingly valued, Fleurish stands as an intentional benchmark for meaningful art. Its use of recycled materials underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility, while its interactive design fosters genuine human connection. Fleurish transforms art into an active, tactile experience, resonating deeply in a digital age that often favors virtual interactions over physical connection. Its ability to create immersive, engaging environments also offers significant value for corporate real estate, enhancing tenant experiences and fostering a sense of community within shared spaces.

This evolving journey continues to adapt to new contexts, exploring universal themes of growth, resilience, and unity. Whether celebrating milestones, igniting conversations at global events, or helping people discover the unseen connections between them, Fleurish proves that even the simplest elements -- a flower, a message, a shared moment -- can inspire something extraordinary.

Photos: Todd Mason, Halkin | Mason Photography

Britni Harvison is Creative Director at FYOOG, an IA Interior Architects Company