controlled burn by shira horenstien explores the relationship between humans and fire

this project by israel-based designer, shira horenstien, is as much about the process as it is about the end result. ‘controlled burn’ deals with the taming, domestication, and social aspect of fire. after a ceremonial burning process, which you can see in the video above, horenstien creates a ceramic object that serves as a point of social gathering within the home.

images and main video courtesy of shira horenstien

the aim of horenstien‘s project is to create a sense of closeness, calm, and intimacy in the modern urban environment, particularly during a period of social distancing for the current health pandemic. for this purpose, materials were chosen that are safe for domestic use, and that combine in a process that simultaneously provides control of the process of burning and enables random outbursts of fire.

the project addresses three aspects: the relation between humankind and fire, the internalization of fire from the outside world into the domestic space, and the experience of the bonfire. for prehistoric man, the mastering of fire was a tremendous achievement that enabled survival and improved living conditions, providing light in the dark, heat in the cold, and cooked, safe food.

the matrix that shapes the ceramic tool is molded from timber. the wood serves both as fuel and forms the shape of the object. the wooden matrix protects the ceramic from direct and excessive heat that could crack the material. it burns homogeneously and disappears towards the end of the process. in this way, each and every fire-plate ceramic that shira horenstien creates is unique – just like each different bonfire experience.

project info:

project name: controlled burn

design: shira horenstien

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom