Christoph Hesse Architekten

Wild Fire is part of the Open Mind Places initiative in Referinghausen, nestled in the picturesque Sauerland region of Germany. This installation stands as a poignant tribute to the devastating forest dieback of 2020, caused by prolonged drought seasons exacerbated by climate change. At its center is a stack of dry wood atop a pedestal constructed from recycled reinforced concrete beams. The structure was deliberately burned, creating a powerful and evocative visual statement.

The project aims to spark dialogue on biodiversity and innovative forestry practices. Periodically, the fire is reignited as a symbolic act to preserve collective memory and inspire meaningful action. Farmers and stakeholders participated in events to explore strategies for fostering ecological diversity, blending traditional knowledge with advanced technological tools. A key element of this effort is an AI-powered app that interpolates 70-year climate projection simulations with local geological and hydrological data to identify the most suitable tree species for each location. This forward-thinking approach seeks to establish resilient and sustainable landscapes for generations to come.