Botanica by Studio Formafantasma
on 7/9/11
This collection from The Trend Boutique favourites Formafantasma reminds us of our Spring Summer 2012 trend 'Harvest' with use of natural and organic materials.
'Botanica' is the latest project by studio FormaFantasma, commissioned by Plart, an Italian foundation dedicated to scientific research and technological innovation in the recovery, restoration and conservation of works of art and design produced in plastic. Maria Pia Incutti, founder of Plart and Marco Petroni, curator of the project, commissioned the studio to create their own personal interpretation of polymeric materials.
'Botanica' by Studio Formafantasma
The objects displayed in the Botanica collection are designed as if the oil- based era, in which we are living, never took place. Almost as if historians, Studio Formafantasma investigated the pre-Bakelite period, discovering unexpected textures, feelings and technical possibilities offered by natural polymers extracted from plants or animal-derivatives. The designers researched and hunted for information, digging into the 18th and 19th centuries, when scientists began experimenting draining plants and animals in search for plasticity.
'Botanica' by Studio Formafantasma
The natural textures and honey-like colours of the resins evoke the memory of 20th century bakelite objects, however, the finish and details are somewhat archaic yet contemporary. In Botanica, plastics are used as precious details, in an attempt to develop a new post-industrial aesthetic.
'Botanica' by Studio Formafantasma
The perception of plastic materials has drastically changed over time. Initially considered the material of the future, synthetic polymers are now seen as the symbol of a not anymore exciting oil era. Scientific research is increasingly looking to find sustainable alternatives or ways to make plastic biodegradable. In opposition to this, the Plart foundation is addresses another necessity with its activities and research: to preserve plastic-based art and design pieces.
'Botanica' by Studio Formafantasma
