Art and design to mitigate the effects of bark beetle spread

A growing threat to Europe’s forests 

Various disturbances have always threatened European forests. Recent studies, however, identify a worrying trend: changes caused by the climate emergency. Bark beetles and fungal infestations are the most rapidly rising menaces and given climate projections for Europe, those threats are unlikely to diminish.  

How creativity and sustainable design can help forests recover 

Bark beetle infestations can make wood unusable in conventional ways. Harvested timber is often tinted blue, even though it remains structurally sound. This wood, called legno azzurato in Italian, was the focus of a recent collaboration between FSC Italy and ISIA Roma Design  (Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche) to explore the potential of systemic design - as tools to assist environmental and economic recovery. 

In January 2025, FSC Italy led a workshop ‘Imagining the Future of Forests’ to turn the crisis of wood damaged by bark beetles (legno bostricato) into a creative opportunity. The workshop centred on the aftermath of the 2018 Vaia storm, which devastated large areas of the  Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme community forest in Northern Italy.  Fallen trees and surprisingly high seasonal temperatures provided ideal conditions for the bark beetle, leading to widespread damage. The project invited students and professors from ISIA to come up with systemic solutions to add value to this FSC-certified wood by generating aesthetic, functional, and economic value for local communities.  

At the end of the workshop, students presented three different product ideas and a strategic communication plan. The first proposal focused on cutting blue legno azzurato into smaller pieces and using it into composite semi-finished products, such as glued laminated or blockboard panels. The second suggested controlled charring to decorate the wood with unique visual effects. The third proposal involved creating a dedicated ‘wood archimagazine’ and communications strategies to promote bark beetle-damaged wood to architects, designers, and buyers. 

“We were very impressed by the quality of the proposals and look forward to the prospect of beetle-damaged wood becoming part of the solution rather than waste,” said Andres Matteo Ortolano Tabolacci, Chain of Custody Technical Manager at FSC Italy.  

“At ISIA, we like exploring how systemic design can tackle environmental damage. In this case, we focused on restoring the value of blue-stained wood through technology, alternative treatments, and targeted communication strategies.” added Massimiliano Datti, ISIA Rome Professor and Project Manager of the workshop. 

As Europe's trees continue to suffer from bark beetles and other diseases that decrease the value of wood and forests, multidisciplinary and creative responses like those coming from innovative wood design will be more necessary than ever, as well as a solid knowledge-sharing network among European countries. 

Causes of bark beetle spread across Europe 

Bark beetles have always been present in European forests. However, climate shifts – such as changes in soil moisture, humidity, and temperature – have enabled them to spread more widely and increased their impact. Changes to rainfall patterns and higher temperatures have been weakening forest ecosystems, and stressed trees lose their natural defence mechanisms. That attracts bark beetles, which start by targeting vulnerable individuals. Trees between 40 and 60 years old, especially spruce and other conifers, are particularly susceptible. The beetles eat the bark and living wood while laying their eggs. Larvae damage the tree internally, to then fly to a neighbouring one.  

Detection and control challenges 

The bark beetle problem has worsened dramatically across Europe over the past five years, with severe peaks in Germany, Austria and Poland. The problem is now spreading to the Baltic countries, although more slowly. 

Detecting infected trees is difficult – trees may look healthy from the outside because surface symptoms take a while to show, while inside the beetles and larvae are doing their damage. Once identified, sprays and injections can be used but they are very limited in their effectiveness. Beetles also hide under deadwood, which protects them against wind, fire and chemical products, making preventive controls harder. 

Searching for solutions 

At the moment, there is no simple or permanent solution. Pheromone traps and clear-cutting infected areas to avoid contagion are the most common forestry practices. However, the effects are often limited and may even increase disturbance, weakening already stressed forests. Discussions and conferences among forest researchers and stakeholders are ongoing, and the need to explore alternatives is clear.  

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