Abstract

Our interaction with nature extends beyond mere physical manipulation, embodying a profound cultural, psychological, and aesthetic dialogue. Driven by a desire to categorize, control, and mold, we impress our values onto the natural world. This shaping of nature blurs the distinctions between the natural and the man-made, challenging our notions of perfection and imperfection, as well as function and form. By disciplining nature, we not only impose a perceived order and structure but also reveal our inherent need to build trust in face of nature’s uncertainty. This thesis unveils the nuanced dynamics of man-made nature under pruning, examining how our communicative practices transform natural phenomena into manifestations of human intent and ideology.