In many ways, we see ourselves in the growth patterns of flowers – we grow well when tended to, we benefit from some sun, and we naturally flock to one another, understanding that our collective survival is mutual. To put this into perspective, Reflecting Diverseness by studio mo man tai, unveiled during Dutch Design Week 2025, explores the makeup of Dutch society by translating ‘Centraal Bureau van Statistiek‘ (CBS) data into immersive art. A flowing field of over 8,800 blooms, carefully handcrafted from reclaimed material, create new narratives about the concept of inclusion and diversity. Shown at the Pennings Foundation, renowned education center and presentation platform for video and photography, the space takes on new meaning, fitting a snapshot of a whole country into a single room.
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Video by Dust Media
Meticulously gluing millions of petals to stems, and stems to leaves, each of the flowers represents a section of the Dutch public. All inherently different, yet derived of materials that came before, a poetic reinterpretation of a growing and changing society helps us to understand each other. Visual data is powerful, and especially when intertwined within artistic expression. A quotient that is almost intangible, the way we can understand much more readily, if we are given visual, intuitive markers of scale. Through this medium, studio mo man tai aimed to create a positive exploration of diversity, identity, and togetherness, strong tenets of a healthy society. In this way, we can reflect our ideas, quite literally, upon others – creating ripple effects we may never see, yet affect us all quite deeply.
“With something beautiful and positive, you can start a conversation easily,” says designer Ulrike Jurklies. “And when visitors are then surprised by the deeper story behind that beauty, that’s when the real dialogue begins.”
Approximately one in four residents of the Netherlands has partial ties outside of the country, according to CBS statistics. In addition, 72.1% of residents have both parents born in the Netherlands. Ten flower types in a multitude of different colors on display represent the top origins of the Netherlands population, seen in the chart above.
The flowers are made from discarded acrylic mirror offcuts, taking industrial remnants to a new, delightful level. The pieces are mapped and cut with meticulous precision, ensuring that every curve and edge makes full use of the original sheet. Once shaped, they’re assembled into one-of-a-kind sculptural blooms. Under focused lighting, the installation transforms: clusters of mirrored “petals” shimmer, scattering light in unpredictable constellations across walls and viewers alike.
Want some of these flowers for yourself? The entire exhibition was built in 175 numbered boxes, each containing 50 flowers that represent the Dutch population statistics. These boxes are available for purchase –simply scroll to the middle of this page and fill out your information. studio mo man tai will contact you with further details, helping you bring home a piece of Dutch history.
Extending the visual meadow even further, a bird’s eye view of the flowers are expertly printed on to fabric, creating an almost waterfall effect into the flowerbed below. Created by BIG Impact, who specializes in large-scale printing, the entirety of the exhibition can be printed onto any material at any scale, creating a velvet-like surface with rich depth and color saturation.
studio mo man tai has always found the magic within data visualization, finding it a compelling medium to pursue large scale. Working with four key partners that brought the exhibition to life, Pyrasied, BIG Impact, Fenix, and the Pennings Foundation each added their unique insight and skills to the project, laying the groundwork for more to come.
To learn more about Reflecting Diverseness by studio mo man tai, visit ddw.momantai-design.nl.
Photography courtesy of studio mo man tai.
