The installation follows a similar project in 2013, when the architects built a Christmas tree made from 365 wooden sledges that were given to a local children’s charity following the festive period. It can be visited during day and night.»
When the tree is dismantled on the Twelfth Night after Christmas – the date decorations are traditionally taken down – the firewood will be given to families in need. After dark, it is illuminated using special lighting effects designed by Philips Hungary. A doorway in the back allows members of the public to climb inside the tree and make use of seats formed from more logs, which are positioned around the edge. «The Charity Tree belongs to the people of Budapest until Epiphany. «The installation represents the importance of the community and social awareness: not only because people traditionally gather around Christmas trees to celebrate together, but also because at Christmas, it is particularly important to think of the thousands of Hungarian families who have daily problems with heating during wintertime,» said the designers. Plan – click for larger imageSection – click for larger image Related story: Glowing stars by Pernilla Ohrstedt decorate Christmas tree in London hotel At the top, the wood lengths get longer and protrude out further to form a pinnacle crowned with a metal star. Hungarian architecture studio Hello Wood has created an 11-metre-high Christmas tree for a square in central Budapest from 15,000 kilograms of wooden logs (+ movie).
Hello Wood worked in collaboration with Design Terminal – the Hungarian state agency responsible for the stimulation of the creative industries – and the Hungarian Interchurch Aid. After the [economic] crisis it has become more important to create works which are for everybody, not only the exclusive one per cent of the population,» said a spokesperson for the studio, which runs an international art camp every summer. «The role of architecture has changed a lot in the last few years.
