A powerful circular structure made entirely from fire-damaged juniper trees now stands as a memorial in northern Spain, transforming a wildfire scar into a space for reflection and healing. Nomad Studio's installation, called "Socarrado," was built from charred juniper trunks recovered after a devastating 2022 wildfire that swept through the Sabinares del Arlanza La Yecla Natural Park. Originally conceived for the Uncommissioned Exhibition by Novo Collective, the artwork has become a focal point for collective reflection in the communities of Santo Domingo de Silos.

The installation's unexpected impact on visitors convinced local authorities in Burgos to permanently preserve the structure in the landscape rather than dismantling it as originally planned. The 15-meter-wide ring consists of blackened juniper trunks stacked in concentric circles, creating a dark perimeter that still bears the physical traces of fire damage. The crowns of these burned trees extend outward across the terrain like ghostly remnants of the vanished forest, while the circular design recalls traditional Castilian enclosures that were once used to protect livestock from predators.

At the heart of the installation lies a three-meter-diameter cavity that rises into a small vaulted chamber constructed from split tree trunks. A single opening at the top allows a narrow beam of light to penetrate the dense timber structure. Inside, the vertical weight of the charred wood, the lingering scent of resin, and the subdued lighting create an almost ritualistic atmosphere. This interior space focuses visitors' attention on the surrounding landscape's wounds while simultaneously suggesting the possibility of environmental renewal and rebirth.

"Socarrado encourages visitors to be present, value authenticity, and restore their essential bond with the land," explains Laura Santín, co-founder of Nomad Studio. Beyond its sculptural form, the installation represents a broader critique of how contemporary digital life distances people from their natural environments. The circle of burnt junipers serves as a counterpoint to our increasingly digital world that often dilutes attention and distorts our sense of place. Its simplicity demands that visitors pause, focus, and reconnect with elements of nature that cannot be mediated through screens.

The project was truly a community effort, with local residents, volunteers, businesses, and partners participating directly in collecting materials and assembling the structure. The entire realization was funded through collective contributions and received support from multiple organizations, including the Municipality of Santo Domingo de Silos, the Natural Park management, SOMACYL, and Bombyte, among others. This collaborative approach reinforced the installation's role as a symbol of community resilience and collective healing.

Looking toward the future, the site will host a special performative action called "ergo IGNIS" in March 2026. This piece, conceived by artist William Kingswood in collaboration with local performers, is designed as a ritual of environmental awareness that responds to both the burned landscape and the communal energy that shaped Socarrado. After visiting the installation site, Kingswood described it as "a desolation, a return to nature, a refuge within a hostile landscape," highlighting the complex emotions the space evokes in those who encounter it.