Hugo Garcia

Design & Research for a more-than-human world.
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RETREEA Proposal for a New Christmas Tradition

YEAR:
2023
CLIENT:
MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering
HIGHLIGHTS:
Exhibited at The Madrid Design Festival at ACDO Studio.

Every year, approximately 7 million Christmas trees are cut down, only to be discarded after just a few weeks of celebration. A pine tree takes seven years to grow to maturity, yet it is used for merely three weeks before being thrown away—a stark example of the wastefulness that often accompanies the holiday season. But what if we could change that pattern? What if your Christmas tree could be transformed into something lasting and meaningful?

Introducing **Retree**, a sustainable and creative solution that reimagines the life of your Christmas tree. With Retree, you can give your tree a second life by transforming it into a beautiful, functional piece of furniture. The Retree kit includes a set of meticulously crafted tools—secateurs, a hand saw, and a wire twister—along with clear instructions that guide you through the process of turning your tree into a stunning stool, a stylish side table, or another unique creation.

This approach not only reduces waste but also honors the time and resources it took for the tree to grow. By embracing Retree, you move away from the cycle of consumerism and towards a more thoughtful and sustainable way of living. Your tree, once a symbol of holiday joy, becomes a lasting piece in your home, carrying the spirit of the season well beyond the holidays.

Retree isn’t just about making something new; it’s about shifting our mindset to appreciate the value in repurposing and sustainability. This Christmas, let Retree inspire you to create something beautiful and enduring, turning your holiday tree into a lasting reminder of the season’s warmth and generosity.





Context

Every year, 7 million trees are cut for Christmas Decorations. A Christmas tree takes 7 years to grow and be ready, but it's only used for 3 weeks. Most of them are thrown away after the holidays.


VisionWhat if there was a way to change this pattern of consumerism and waste? What if those trees could be transformed into something long-lasting?
The first sketches tried to find the shape of a stool made of a Christmas tree.
StrategyDesign a set of tools and instructions that provide anyone the opportunity to transform their Christmas trees into a long-lasting piece.
Some basic tools and actions begin to define the project
The number of leaves left behind made me consider the possibility of a secret part of the tree: Pine Resin.

Process

Sculpting a Christmas tree with 3 tools.




Outcome.

A high-quality set of tools made with hardwood, instructions, and some fittings in a box. The perfect gift for next Christmas.





Outcome.One-piece Stool + Side Table + Lamp. All the things you can do with a single tree that it would be through away.




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