Coloniae

Prelude

Marder’s reflection on the relationship between plants and humans calls attention to the often-overlooked connections and interactions that exist between these two realms. By recognizing the limits of human control, we can begin to appreciate the complex, participated processes that shape our shared environments. Coloniae is a series of products designed for JCP Universe, which embraces the notion of human-plant relationality as a way of implementing spaces for vegetal and manmade objects to intertwine. The collection comprises vases, tables, and screens made of perforated metal sheets, which allow plants to climb and colonize the objects, highlighting the dynamic interplay between the built environment and the natural world.

Concept

The project reimagines traditional home furniture as dwelling places for plant colonies, which can connect with surrounding elements and overtake space. Initially conceived as raw structures with a predefined form, exposed screws, and components, Coloniae’s artifacts are transformed over time from mere containers into content, as they are overlaid by roots, branches, leaves and flowers. Hence, as plants interact with the object, they redefine its appearance and identity of hybrid organism co-created by human/vegetal action. The perforated aluminum sheets serve as a grip for the colonizing activity, supporting the large leaves of Monstera and Philodendron, the climbing strength of ivy, the roots of orchids, which become the pillars of the colony. A colony is formed by objects designed to intersect with others, supported by plant communities that communicate together, providing a space for interaction and proliferation. This series celebrates the unpredictable, ever-changing nature of the relationship between humans, plants, and their shared environments, embracing the beauty of co-creation and value of control-loss.

Design

The central and lateral sections of each object are water-cut from pre-perforated aluminum sheets and subsequently treated through galvanic processes (nickel, copper, chrome, or brass). Each section is secured to the central one through a mechanism based on two stainless steel screws.