Cambio
In 2020, Formafantasma, an Italian design studio known for its research-based design practice, teamed up with Finnish furniture company Artek for an ongoing investigation into the timber industry. The collaboration, titled Cambio, explores the interconnections between forestry, wood extraction, industrial practices, and environmental concerns. The name Cambio, derived from medieval Latin meaning "change" or "exchange", also refers to the cambial layer of trees, which is responsible for their growth.
The Cambio exhibition, previously shown in the UK, Italy, and Switzerland, presents installations that highlight the changing dynamics of Finnish forests, shaped by industrialization and climate change. The project also delves into how the pulp and paper industry has contributed to the design and management of Finnish forests over time.
In partnership with Artek, Formafantasma launched the Forest Collection, which reexamines Artek's traditional wood selection criteria. Through this initiative, they introduced “wild birch,” embracing the natural characteristics of trees, such as knots and insect trails, which are typically discarded in favor of uniformity. This approach highlights the potential of more sustainable forest management practices and sets new standards for systemic change in the furniture industry.
I was commissioned as the director of cinematography and video collaborator for the Cambio project, producing a documentary that accompanies the exhibition. The video was shot in infrared, a technique often used in forestry to monitor tree health, enhancing the connection between the project’s theme and the visual narrative.
CLIENT
Artek
AGENCY
Formafantasma
Andrea Trimarchi & Simone Farresin, Consept and design
Design and development
Jeroen Van De Gruiter, Veronica Camera, Hannah Caroline Sagerkrantz, Simon Ballen
CREW
Jussi Hellsten, Dop & Grade