DESIGN:
Earth Matters
Words: Micha van Dinther and Magnus Wittbjer
Strolling up and down the aisles at Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair (which, on a side note, was exceptionally well-executed and inspiring this year), we are hit by waves of bittersweet emotion, looking at the thousands of new, bright and factory-fresh products on display. In all honesty – does the world really need another designer chair?
Instead of turning a blind eye to the predicament of sustainability in a world driven by commercialism, we are happy to see that quite a few designers are daring to pose this and similar questions. The Tomorrow Collective, a project presented by Lund’s University, featured tools for modern sustainable life – and had us engaged for quite some time. British designer Ilse Crawford, this year’s guest of honour, was refocusing the attention of visitors to the fair from the allure of new products to the underlying creative processes behind their conception, by recreating her South London studio on the premises.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to see the exhibition Earth Matters, make sure to make your way out to the Artipelag in Värmdö. In the idyllic archipelago setting, the art gallery has invited world-renowned trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort and her colleague Philip Fimmano to take a closer look at the change of attitude that is currently taking place in regards to sustainability in design.
Edelkoort explains: “This young century has brought about a moment of reflection and radical change, making up for a century of ecological abuse, consumption, greed and violence. For the first time, a post-fossil society is emerging, using natural ingredients, offering alternatives and giving us hope for the future.”
Earth Matters runs until May 3 and features pieces and ideas by Fabrica, Formafantasma, Vivienne Westwood and Piet Hein Eek. It is about time to start cherishing the earth. And that old chair of yours, which will look great after a quick lick of paint.
