REROOTING
What If Hills Could Talk?
This project aimed to bridge the gap between people and nature in the industrialized world, where ecological connection often feels distant. Set in the Cologne region, we designed experiences to emotionally connect residents to their surroundings, even those who may not normally care about nature.
Using sensorial ethnography and methods from experience design and ecological art, we explored ways to turn natural phenomena—like sounds, textures, and patterns—into immersive, multi-sensory experiences. We conducted field trips to local sites (Buschbeller Wald, Hallenkalk both near and/or in Cologne, Germany), recording sounds, capturing visuals, and studying the ecosystem. Individually, we experimented with creative mediums such as soundscapes, photography, poetry, and tactile materials to communicate these findings.
As a group, we developed a site-specific intervention that combined color, sound, touch, and local materials.
Outputs included:
The final outcome invited participants to interact with nature in new ways, creating a sense of wonder and care for the environment. This project reminded us that understanding nature isn’t enough—we need to feel it to truly connect.
The Poem
Titled "Radiant splendor, reforestation," delves into the transformative journey of a once-abandoned mine, highlighting the environmental consequences of human actions and the hope for redemption. The verses vividly describe the mine's evolution from a source of exploitation, symbolized by a gleaming quartz deposit, to a commitment to healing the natural world. The miners, portrayed as stewards of change, shift their focus from extraction to cultivation, breathing life into the barren landscapes. The poem celebrates the rejuvenation of nature as trees, resilient and majestic, replace the cold brilliance of minerals. Through its eloquent imagery and metaphorical narrative, "Radiant Splendor, Reforestation" encapsulates the power of human choices to heal and nurture the Earth, emphasizing the potential for positive environmental impact and the enduring beauty of nature's resurgence.
What If Hills Could Talk?
This project aimed to bridge the gap between people and nature in the industrialized world, where ecological connection often feels distant. Set in the Cologne region, we designed experiences to emotionally connect residents to their surroundings, even those who may not normally care about nature.
Using sensorial ethnography and methods from experience design and ecological art, we explored ways to turn natural phenomena—like sounds, textures, and patterns—into immersive, multi-sensory experiences. We conducted field trips to local sites (Buschbeller Wald, Hallenkalk both near and/or in Cologne, Germany), recording sounds, capturing visuals, and studying the ecosystem. Individually, we experimented with creative mediums such as soundscapes, photography, poetry, and tactile materials to communicate these findings.
As a group, we developed a site-specific intervention that combined color, sound, touch, and local materials.
Outputs included:
- Soundscapes built from recordings of the sites, layered with digital enhancements to reflect the atmosphere.
- Photography showcasing the textures and life of the landscape.
- Poetry inspired by the interplay between human and non-human elements.
- Installations designed to evoke curiosity and emotional connection through tactile and visual experiences.
The final outcome invited participants to interact with nature in new ways, creating a sense of wonder and care for the environment. This project reminded us that understanding nature isn’t enough—we need to feel it to truly connect.
The Poem
Titled "Radiant splendor, reforestation," delves into the transformative journey of a once-abandoned mine, highlighting the environmental consequences of human actions and the hope for redemption. The verses vividly describe the mine's evolution from a source of exploitation, symbolized by a gleaming quartz deposit, to a commitment to healing the natural world. The miners, portrayed as stewards of change, shift their focus from extraction to cultivation, breathing life into the barren landscapes. The poem celebrates the rejuvenation of nature as trees, resilient and majestic, replace the cold brilliance of minerals. Through its eloquent imagery and metaphorical narrative, "Radiant Splendor, Reforestation" encapsulates the power of human choices to heal and nurture the Earth, emphasizing the potential for positive environmental impact and the enduring beauty of nature's resurgence.
« Radiant splendor, reforestation »
In the secret depths of a dormant mine,
Beneath the blue sky of an enchanted land,
A glimmer of hope illuminates the night,
The reforestation project has taken root.
Like a hidden gem in the bowels of the earth,
A quartz deposit shines with a thousand sparkles,
But the lure of profit, a source of misery,
Has caused nature to suffer, wounded in its brilliance.
Yet the once brutal mine,
Has now decided to heal its wounds,
And within its confines embraces a transformative idea,
It will be reborn into lush green gardens.
Miners repurpose their tools,
No longer to extract, but to plant,
In their skillful hands, life sprouts awake,
With the seasons, nature will thrive.
Under the halo of sparkling quartz crystals,
Trees grow, proud and majestic,
Their verdant leaves dancing in the wind,
A new territory, a precious haven.