Applied Nature Arts

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Applied Nature Arts

Residency Applied Nature Arts

The Applied Arts of Nature Residency explored the traditional Mediterranean craftsmanship of the Algarve through collaborations between designers and artisans in the categories of tiles, copper, cork, pottery and palm.

The proposed challenge was to create utilitarian pieces within the framework of regenerative design principles, using the petals of the Living Product Challenge. The main objective of this project is to bring social equity, economic restoration and environmental regeneration to the forefront of the design and creation process, with pieces designed for local production and that will inspire younger generations to continue these crafts.

PALM PARTS

CACLÉ I & II

Palm mat

"Caclé I & II" are inspired by the cacti of Loulé Velho, and mark a return to traditional handmade weaving. Using the leaf of the Mediterranean dwarf palm, braided and sewn from this unique wild element. These rugs extend their function by connecting them to nature, with an eye towards a more sustainable future.

"Caclé" marks the beginning of a new line at Rug by GUR called GUR PA.

HERE

Handmade by José Luis & Sónia Mendez

Cane and palm bench
"Aqui" is a bench made with sugarcane harvested in nature, joined by an intertwined palm. Historically, in Algarve houses, cane was used in the ceilings and earthen walls.
The palm is braided in a technique called empreita and used in a myriad of ways. In this piece the flexible palm is juxtaposed with the rigid strength of the cane, creating a balance between comfort and stability.

"Aqui" claims simplicity and reaffirms the value of undervalued materials.

CORK PIECES

KANOO

Cork centerpiece
Bringing the more natural state of the cork tree into a useful form was the initial starting point for the piece "Kanoo". The bark of cork oaks is harvested by hand every year in Portugal to be transformed into different shapes and products. "Kanoo" is made from the broken skins during the first harvest. Cut with minimal angled cuts, it makes the shape of this centerpiece always unique, each with its own character. Sometimes it has natural moss and small footprinted plants, thus creating a mini garden landscape on the table. The simplicity and strength of the raw elements make nature the essential designer of these pieces.

FIGS

Cork vases and chandelier

Four free moulds in cork of valpreto make up a set of hand-finished vases and a chandelier.
The Silhouettes are inspired by figs, a typical fruit from the Algarve region where the pieces were created. This unique cork pattern resembles stone.

SHROOMS

Clay jars and cork lids

Mushrooms are everywhere and are part of our imaginary world, they have magical properties and this was the inspiration behind the set of ceramic and cork pots and lids. This family of universal caps can also be used on bottles. A playful collection that invites the user to have a small mushroom grove in their own home.

POTTERY PIECES

SOURCE

Clay water dispenser and filter

"Fountain" is a water filter inspired by natural filtration where water (rain, ice, snow) is filtered through the different layers of the earth to create fresh, clean spring water. The aim is to replace the use of industrially produced filters to eliminate unnecessary industrial contaminants (plastic) and return to traditional, low-cost techniques and natural materials. Reintroducing long-forgotten methods that are equally feasible but are no longer found in everyday practice. The dispenser consists of 2 compartments made of unglazed clay, whose porous wall uses evaporative cooling to reduce the temperature of the water it contains, thus always providing cold drinking water, even in hot environments.

LITTLE FIRE

Clay candle warmer

A small space heater inspired by the natural occurrence of the sun that heats a stone, captures and radiates heat. Created with pottery techniques used in the manufacture of traditional pots, "foguinho" consists of 2 ceramic domes superimposed and placed on a tray with 2 or 4 small candles; This elegantly simple piece is designed to heat a small space with a minimal amount of combustion. The heater holds and concentrates the heat that would normally rise to the ceiling and quickly dissipate. The terracotta domes absorb the heat energy from the candles, converting it into radiant heat.
"Foguinho" also serves to dehumidify and is very effective for warming the feet or hands.

BREATH-AIR

Clay pot, diffuser and odor absorber

"Breathing-air" is a set of objects that help to improve air quality in living spaces. Today, more than ever, we face the problem of air pollution. The shapes of the pieces emerged in collaboration with the craftsman, through the deconstruction of the most emblematic symbol of the Algarve region, the chimney. A smoke outlet becomes a collection of air purifiers. The flower pot with traditional cutouts gives rise to NASA's list of the eighteen best plants that cleanse the air of substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. The propolis diffuser provides antibiotic, antiviral and immune protection. The baking soda container absorbs the smell in the smallest spaces.

TILE PIECES

RE-ALIVE EDGE

Tiles

It is a project where craftsmanship intersects with technology. Inspired by the forces that occur in nature, specifically attraction. Using a parametric design inspired by Islamic patterns, we generated a series of interconnectable tri-hexagonal patterns that the algorithm resized using point-of-attraction forces, which adjust to the geometry of the tiles and are easily adaptable depending on space needs. The phenomena of pattern evolution to and from the points of attraction lead to versatile options in the growth and contraction of the overall composition. To improve and speed up the production process, we used 3D printing technology to transmit the pattern to the clay.

HEXADROM

Handmade by Rui & Maria Mascarenhas

Tiled mirror

A unique handmade frame with a new shapes and colors that can be specifically composed depending on the target space. The design is based on giving a special value to traditional pieces, transforming their use, memorizing their unique differences in the artisanal process and supporting the continuity of the family atelier of Aresta Viva in Faro.

COPPER PARTS

THROUGH

Copper handle

"Atraves" is a doorknob made of copper with self-cleaning properties. According to ancient texts, the Egyptians used copper to clean wounds as early as 2400 B.C.; Two millennia later, copper has a new scientific interest due to its antimicrobial properties. The combination of handicrafts in Loulé with relevant issues gives rise to formal and inspired solutions that can bring together the two worlds: past and present. The round handle is reminiscent of the traditional Algarve Cataplana, is comfortable to hold on to and allows us to pass safely.

PSYLO

Hooks, clothes and keychain, in copper

Psylo is an adorable family of handmade copper hooks, which resemble mushrooms growing outside the wall. These hooks are available in different sizes that vary according to function: to hold hats, keys, jackets, accessories and light objects. Each mushroom is hand-hammered into slightly whimsical shapes.

Artisans

Tiles:
Rui & Maria Mascarenhas (Aresta Viva)

Copper:
Carmo Analysis
José Luís

Cork:
Nuno Farias & João Pereira (NF Cork)

Pottery:
Francisco Eugénio

Palm:
Sonia Mendez

Designers

Barbara Drozdek
Brunno Jahara
Célia Esteves
Marre Moerel
Pierre-Emmanuel Vandeputte

Organization

Move on to the Future

Host

Loulé Criativo

Support

Portuguese Republic – Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts
Municipality of Loulé