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Architects: Christoph Hesse Architects
- Area: 30 m²
- Year: 2023
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Photographs:Laurian Ghinitoiu, Christoph Hesse Architects
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Lead Architect: Christoph Hesse
Text description provided by the architects. The "Tower of Unity" is part of the "Open Mind Places" project in Germany, which aims to inspire visitors' self-efficacy and foster innovative ideas for a regenerative, community-focused future. Initiated by the residents of Referinghausen in the Sauerland, this cultural initiative has expanded its influence across the region, encouraging a meaningful dialogue between people and their environment. By blending art, nature, and community action, it creates a unique space for reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions.
The "Open Mind Places" feature twelve installations crafted from natural and locally recycled materials, interconnected by a scenic footpath. These installations serve as "Perspective Changers," guiding participants on a contemplative journey. Along the way, each station invites a deeper engagement with the surrounding nature, emphasizing its significance and inherent value. Ultimately, visitors are inspired to embrace new perspectives, empowering them to drive collaborative ecological and social initiatives.
The "Tower of Unity" is one of the most recent additions to the ever-evolving "Open Mind Places" project. Constructed through the dedication and collective effort of local community members, it stands as a powerful symbol of shared identity and inclusivity. The act of building the tower itself became a unifying experience, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of purpose among participants as they worked together toward a common goal.
At its core lies a foundation of natural stones, each carefully carried and placed by participants, forming a circular seating area that invites connection and conversation. Wild wine plants growing at the corners emphasize the fundamental role of nature within the community.
The upper framework is composed of interconnected steel rods, each representing one of the 220 community members of Referinghausen, uniting their efforts into a shared vision of togetherness. By integrating nature, art, and collaboration, the "Tower of Unity" embodies the essence of the "Open Mind Places" project—fostering a profound sense of belonging, purpose, collective inspiration, and action.
