Tower of Unity
Location: Referinghausen, Sauerland, Germany
Network: Open Mind Places
Typology: Pavilion
Client: Referinghausen e.V.
Area: 30 m2
Status: Built, 2023
Materials: Natural stone, steel, wood, plants
Collaboration: Local community
The Tower of Unity is one of the most recent additions to the ever-evolving Open Mind Places project in Sauerland. The process of building the tower itself became a unifying experience for the community, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of purpose as participants worked together toward a common goal.
At its core lies a foundation of natural stones, each carefully carried and placed by participants to form a circular seating area that invites connection and conversation. Wild wine plants growing at the corners underscore the fundamental role of nature within the community.
The upper framework is composed of interconnected steel rods, symbolizing each individual of the 220 community members of Referinghausen and 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.