Maria Installation is a so-called Reflecting Point, planned and collectively built for Documenta fifteen, the world art exhibition that takes place in Kassel every five years.
© Laurian Ghinitoiu
It is a place of reflection, remembrance, contemplation, and togetherness. It consists of seven spruce trunks which, if stacked on top of each other, would restore the spruce of the original tree. It was planted 125 years ago by Christoph Hesse’s great-grandmother Maria when she was a little girl.
© Laurian Ghinitoiu
Unfortunately, the majestic tree died two years ago, killed by a plague of bark beetles caused by climate change. Therefore, it is a monument for reflection. A place to think about how people can slow down and counteract climate change.
© Laurian Ghinitoiu
The Reflecting Point Maria defines an open place of fellowship, remembrance, and reflection.
© Laurian Ghinitoiu
In 1896, a young girl, my great-grandmother Maria (C.H.), planted this spruce tree in her native Sauerland. Hence the tree’s name is Maria. Sadly, it died of thirst last year due to climate change. The tree Maria lived to the age of 125.
Project Info
Architects: Christoph Hesse Architects
Country: Germany, Kassel
Area: 20 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Laurian Ghinitoiu, Christoph Hesse Architects
Design: Christoph Hesse, Michela Quadrelli
Program / Use / Building Function: Pavilion at the documenta fifteen Kassel
Collaborators: Barbara Ettinger-Brinckmann, BDA Hessen / Group Kassel, ruangrupa / curators of documenta fifteen
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.