Meitheal-ethic is an annual joint project between The Wood Marketing Federation and Wood Collective, which took place at Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois. Meitheal-ethic is in tune with the forest as a meeting place and a reminder that woodlands are valued not only for their economic benefits but also for their social, environmental and spiritual contribution.

 

ELECTRIC PICINC 2008 -2013

The public space installation by Woodcollective at the Electric Picnic (2011), was meitheal-ethic, a play on words on the philosophy of the Meitheal Adhmaid platfom and the essence of form and space, as ideas, and built reality. As in previous years it was an archetypal space drawing on tradition and technology, a space for people to meet, talk and reflect.

The Forest of Light exhibition was a popular and relaxing space away from the rock and roll party but with its own particular entertainment line up – the audience (see below).

The concept illustrates the material lifecycle of wood –a natural resource- from forest through sawmill to form, function and space. Sustainability, energy and energy use are at the heart of the project.

The Woodspace–Forest of Light project is a collaboration between Woodcollective-Meitheal Adhmaid and the Wood Marketing Federation (WMF). Woodcollective promotes innovative and creative wood projects while the mission of WMF is to promote wood as a renewable, sustainable and versatile natural material. This is the third year both organisations have entered a partnership in creating a unique space at Electric Picnic. Both share a vision: to promote wood as a key renewable design medium in 21st century sustainable living. WMF and its members provide the material and support, while Woodcollective is the driver of the project. It provides the creativity and site management for the installation which features a ‘forest’ of 90 poles arranged in concentric circles around the central feature ‘Yggdrasil’, representing the world tree in Nordic cosmology. At the Electric Picnic, Yggdrasil is created in light and wood to form a focal point to the exhibition especially when it is illuminated. The design and mythological elements of the project are realised by combining timber and light. Woodspace is designed to act as a meeting place for Electric Picnic visitors – a place of contemplation and respite between gigs. The concept illustrates the material lifecycle from forest through sawmill to form, function and space.

Woodcollective and the Wood Marketing Federation produced information panels along with souvenir booklets and, which were distributed to an estimated 30,000 visitors to the site. Our thanks to COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food, Coillte and their staff, Society of Irish Foresters, SmartPly Europe, Glennon Brothers, Woodcollective team and ESB Electric Ireland for providing the spectacular illumination of the exhibition.

 

 Architect’s illustration of Woodspace-Forest of Light exhibition at Electric Picnic in Stradbally. The installation built in Irish timber sourced from Coillte and Glennon Brothers featured a ‘forest’ of 90 poles arranged in concentric circles around the central sculptural feature ‘Yggdrasil’, representing the world tree in Nordic cosmology. The installation was illuminated at night courtesy of ESB Electric Ireland.

 

Woodspace-Forest of Light in the evening

This years public space installation by Woodcollective at the Electric Picnic, is meitheal-ethic, a play on words on the philosophy of the Meitheal Adhmaid platfom and the essence of form and space, as ideas, and built reality. As in previous years it’s an archetypal space drawing on tradition and technology, a space for people to meet, talk and reflect. Last year the Forest of Light exhibition was a popular and relaxing space away from the rock and roll party but with its own particular entertainment line up – the audience. This year’s space will expand on those qualities and it promises to be even more special, so join the meitheal fiddle session on Sunday afternoon and meet the crew. The concept illustrates the material lifecycle of wood –a natural resource- from forest through sawmill to form, function and space. Sustainability, energy and energy use are at the heart of the project.