Client: Designers & Forests
Location: Västervik, Sweden
Completion date: 2014
Project Team
Artist
Daniel Byström SWE
Design Nation
Artist
Kristján Kristjánsson IS
Efla
Other
Jason Dilworth USA
State University of New York Fredonia
Other
Megan Urban USA
State University of New York Fredonia
Industry Resource
Magnus Edmark SWE
Overview
HOLLOW illuminates society’s involvement with forests. It is a lamp made from a hollow tree, caused by wood-decay fungus. HOLLOW is an experimental design concept that makes use of practically worthless dead wood. HOLLOW has not only a unique design, but also something important to say. It aims to explore the social and ecological approach to forests, to spread awareness, and to prompt reflection on the place of humanity in the ecosystem.
Goals
HOLLOW is an open-source design, made with craft techniques, which can be locally produced. Th is aspect of social sustainability connects to not only the human yearning for creativity, but to also engage communities in the creation of HOLLOW.
Process
HOLLOW is an outcome from the Designers & Forests project in Utah, USA. The forests in this region are a ected by beetle kill and aspen die-o ff. In summer 2013, members of Designers and Forests explored and experienced the region, with the intention of finding new ways of looking at the problems of stressed forests. The project linked designers from Sweden, New York and Iceland with foresters, activists, designers, artisans, and community members in Utah.
Design Nation has contributed in facilitating workshops and leading the process, as well as creating design concepts with the aim to find new solutions, bring attention and communicate.
Additional Information
Designers & Forests is an initiative to help revitalize forests and foster healthier communities by taking a holistic view of both natural ecosystems and the design process. Forests provide many benefits and services to society. Climate influences the structure and function of forest ecosystems and plays an essential role in forest health. A changing climate may worsen many of the threats to forests, such as pest outbreaks, fires, human development, and drought. rough an interdisciplinary and creative approach, Designers & Forests aims to share knowledge and engage communities in sustainable forest management and regional development. More info www.designersandforests.us