During an artist residency on Madeira Island in 2024, we came across an unusual community space hidden directly beneath the airport. Conceived for sports and as a supposed garden, it lies sheltered under the runways above.

What struck us first were the monumental concrete columns supporting the entire structure—an imposing architectural presence rarely seen elsewhere. Equally captivating was the quiet decay of the site, where the absence of care had allowed plants to reclaim the grounds, weaving freely through the football and tennis courts. Despite poor light and limited water, nature found a way to thrive. If left undisturbed, a dense forest would eventually emerge, concealing any trace of human presence.