Ecological Fire break : For a hundred year old pine plantation

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Los Angeles provide a stark warning of what the UK’s vulnerable ecosystems may face in the future as climate change accelerates.
Similar to how LA has struggled with devastating wildfires due to prolonged droughts, high temperatures, and combustible vegetation, the UK is now experiencing rising wildfire risks.

This project, the ‘Ecological Fire Break,’ draws on lessons from past fires at Swinley Forest and a detailed analysis of the site’s current dynamics. By using a contour-based design across critical areas identified through site analysis, combined with a diagnostic and phenomenological map integrating site conditions and lived experiences, the project aims to create a design that mitigates wildfire risks effectively.Integrating an artistic approach, the fire break at Swinley Forest was reimagined through a hands-on exploration of embroidery. This blend of creativity and design envisions not just a fire-resistant landscape but an ecologically rich environment, offering a fresh perspective on mitigating wildfire risks while enhancing the forest’s resilience. By intertwining artistry with ecology, this approach mirrors strategies emerging in wildfire-prone regions like LA, where innovative thinking is essential for adapting to an increasingly volatile climate.

Author: Aneena Jose,

School: Bartlett School of Architecture (2nd year Project)

Studio 07 – The Foreseeable Future

Tutor: Gunther Galligioni & Christina Geros