She speaks in flowers: Lily Kwong
Lily Kwong is a landscape architect, artist, and climate activist. She covered The High Line in New York with over 13,000 flowers and advocates for green spaces for everyone: ‘All too often, artistry is made out to be something otherworldly.’
“‘Ancient indigenous communities, often dismissed as primitive, are actually pioneers in developing solutions for climate change’”
At just 34, Lily Kwong has already carved out a remarkable career. Discovered as a model at 19, she was raised in Northern California, where her deep connection to nature blossomed among the sequoia trees. Her global modeling career ignited a passion for cities, which led her to study urban planning and sociology at Columbia University.
Kwong’s work masterfully intertwines the urban and the natural, creating a seamless blend of people and nature. Through her visionary landscape projects and botanical art installations, she seamlessly merges these worlds, intertwining art, design, and ecology. She has collaborated with major public institutions as well as high-end brands like Nike, St-Germain, and Barbara Sturm. One of her most captivating achievements is the transformation of over 400 meters of The High Line in New York, where she enveloped the iconic elevated park with 13,000 stunning flowers. The environmental artist also launched 'Freedom Gardens' to help people create edible gardens, which she believes will be instrumental in the future.
Your work centers around bringing people together and connecting them with art. What is your approach?
’At our design studio, our goal is to be part of the solution, collaborating with other creatives, designers, and institutions to help establish a clear vision for what the world could look like. The focus now is primarily on generating new ideas. For instance, I’m exploring Surrealism, which emerged largely from the Dada movement – a group of artists who heavily relied on intuition and dreams. The challenges we face today are so unprecedented that we must completely rethink our approach. Sticking to old ways of thinking won’t get us there.’
What kinds of projects are you considering?
’Before the lockdown, we focused on creating beautiful, large-scale installations where people, art, and design converged. That’s still the case. However, our priority has also shifted to equipping as many people as possible with the knowledge and expertise to improve their daily lives. For example, during World War I and II, victory gardens—used to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs – were established in homes and public parks in countries like the United States, England, and Germany. These were also known as 'food gardens for defense' because of the significant pressure on the centralized food system at that time. I see a parallel with today, as we are once again facing a world with growing food shortages and food inequality.’
Which expert is currently sparking your imagination?
’Julia Watson, a designer and professor at Columbia and Harvard University. She released the book Lo—TEK, Design by Radical Indigenism, which I keep coming back to. According to her, ancient indigenous communities, often dismissed as primitive, are actually pioneers in developing solutions for climate change. For example, in India, bridges are made from living roots, which take decades to grow. This reflects how indigenous peoples perceive time: they consider how their actions today will impact seven generations into the future, while in the West, we barely think beyond the next quarter.’
What can we learn from these communities?
’Hopefully, we can renew our perspective on the scale of time. This shift could help humanity survive and evolve with the changes in our environment.’
What stands out about your style?
’I evaluate a space based on feeling: do I feel connected, peaceful, inspired? This approach is quite different from my education at Columbia, where everything was grounded in scientific research. I try to find a balance between the two. I also like to simplify things. Too often, artistry is made out to be something otherworldly, reserved for an exclusive club. I believe it ultimately comes down to giving your full commitment, following your curiosities, and honing your skills. I don't claim to have all the answers – I'm only in my thirties – but I'm always dedicated and never afraid to ask for help when needed.’
There are growing warnings of a loneliness crisis. How do you view this from a professional standpoint?
’It has been proven that green spaces have an enormous impact on mental health. They stimulate the part of our nervous system linked to feelings of contentment and calm, reducing levels of stress hormones. In contrast, cities engage our sympathetic nervous system, triggering our fight-or-flight response. I strongly advocate for incorporating much more greenery in urban and office spaces.’
What does your ideal city of the future look like?
’For me, it’s a place where there is a harmonious dialogue between the natural world and modern technologies. Ideally, it would be a so-called closed-loop system, where energy is reused and there is a strong emphasis on biodiversity. Cities should develop plans to use native plants that require less water and maintenance because they are already acclimatized. I also believe it's crucial to use design to promote equality. In my field, I am one of the few young women of color. With greater diversity, urban spaces will naturally start to meet the needs of everyone in our society, rather than being shaped by the preferences of a single group. I think that's one of the major lessons from the past years: less ego, more community.’
