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Amidst the bustling atmosphere of Salone del Mobile in Milan, Natural Material Studio emerged with an immersive installation titled Between the Folds in collaboration with Switzerland-based communication and consultancy studio Juma for Flexform. This artistic endeavour, showcased during the prestigious event and at the Flexform showroom, encapsulates a harmonious fusion of innovative design, environmental consciousness, and aesthetic finesse.
Under the leadership of Giulia Mojoli, founder of Juma, the installation endeavours to evoke a sense of impermanence, a theme encapsulated through the utilisation of out-of-scale screens crafted from Natural Material Studio's milky-white bio textiles. Mojoli remarks, "The approach to this project was to convey an idea of impermanence. Hence, the choice to create out-of-scale screens in an innovative material such as the bio textiles by Natural Material Studio, the result of a virtuous work between research, aesthetics, and environmental awareness."
Building upon the success of their previous projects, particularly the Lighting Work series showcased globally, Natural Material Studio's installation seamlessly integrates the semi-translucent bio textiles to diffuse light, enhancing the ambience of the exhibition space. This project marks a significant milestone for the studio, symbolising their dedication to pushing the boundaries within the realm of biomaterials through pioneering technologies and processes. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, over 400 square meters of bio textiles were meticulously crafted during the winter months within the Copenhagen-based studio. This monumental undertaking not only underscores the studio's commitment to craftsmanship but also highlights the renewed significance of 'craft' as both a mindset and aesthetic, embodying a holistic approach to creation.
Central to the installation are the bio textiles commissioned by Juma for Flexform, meticulously crafted utilising Natural Material Studio's proprietary casting technique, ‘Procel’. Composed of protein-based bio-polymers, natural softeners, and chalk, these textiles exhibit a texturally rich and visually captivating allure. Each piece, cast by hand, bears earthy tones with cloudy swirls and bubbles, reminiscent of the fluid movements of nature frozen in time. Moreover, these materials are not only natural and biodegradable but also home-compostable and re-castable, epitomising a fully circular design.
Reflecting on the ethos guiding their work, Bonnie Hvillum, founder and director of Natural Material Studio, emphasises their cross-disciplinary and systemic approach, aimed at foregrounding the collaboration between humans and nature. Hvillum states, "With our cross-disciplinary and systemic way of working, we aim to bring the human-nature collaboration to the forefront to set the agenda for how we believe art, technology, and science should synergise." Alongside captivating audiences at Salone del Mobile Between the Folds also served as a testament to the transformative power of art, technology, and sustainability, inspiring a reimagination of design paradigms and fostering a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world.
Stay tuned to STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2024 which showcases the best of exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands and events to look out for. Explore EuroCucina and all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5vie Design Week, Isola Design Week, Brera Design District and Porta Venezia Design District.
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