Words: Studio Nucleo
The process of consumption of objects in our homes is one which has historically been insensitive. These objects arrive in our homes as alien spaceships, of which we do not know anything of, and all we learn about them is what they want us to learn. Excluding the interface, these objects reveal themselves to a minimum.
Which is the best way to learn about an object..? Surely to construct it. There is no greater form of intimacy with an object than to be its creator.
TERRA! is not a finished product, is an idea; we provide the cardboard frame, the main ingredient, the dirt can be found everywhere on our planet.
Installation view from Strangely Familiar: Design and Everyday Life, 2023 at Walker Arts Center
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Video Courtesy of the artist.
"The armchair will be born in your garden and becomes part of your landscape."
The work appeared for the first time at the Milan Salone Satellite in 2000, and was selected for the XIX Compasso d’Oro as a ‘Product for the Community’ Award in 2001.
The following year it was shown at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, in 2004 at the Triennale in Milan, and then in 2012 at Biennal of Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
TERRA! was sold all over the world. The last piece of TERRA! was sold in 2005. The self-production was no longer sustainable and we decided to abandon the production of this work…until now!
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Image courtesy of the artist.
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Image courtesy of the artist.
Our enthusiasm for TERRA! started again upon receiving this letter:
“Several years ago I discovered your work with the TERRA! armchair. I always told myself, the day I have my own garden I want one of them. Today I have my garden and it’s like a dream come true… I want to order 2, would it be possible? I hope so! Thank you for your return and see you soon”.
So we decided to revive TERRA! in the new version, we wanted completely revised and adapted to the technologies in use today.
TERRA! V2.0 is slightly smaller than the previous to better respond to transport needs and it’s fully realized by laser cutting (panels and graphics).
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Image courtesy of the artist.
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Image courtesy of the artist.
We reviewed the assembly to make it even simpler as well as the creation by the end user. The concept remains the same, but everything has improved!
Why now? Why re-produce the TERRA! project in 2016? Because the world has changed, because we believe that now more than ever, design production needs a sustainable approach.
"A return to nature, and to our planet’s roots."
The relationship between the producer and the consumer has also changed: now it is possible to distribute TERRA! without having to go through large furniture distribution and manufacturing companies.
Now it is possible for us to think, produce and deliver the work directly to people who are really interested in buying.
That’s where Kickstarter plays its role.
Terra! Chair © Studio Nucleo. Kickstarter video courtesy of the artist.
TERRA! was conceived as a work which can challenged the trade laws: the product needs to be built, assembled, it needs someone who will look after it. Therefore, Kickstarter seemed to be the perfect platform for promotion: not only will you take care of the chair, but you will also assist the campaign that produces it.
Design products are made to be used, and disposed.
TERRA! instead is a living product, it grows like a tree grows. As the world around you grows, so does your Terra!.
To take care of TERRA! you don’t have to be a designer, an architect or an artist. The pleasure of TERRA! is not only found in its ‘functionality’.
It is also found the in making of your own place to relax, growing a piece of nature, a place where we all can experience the peace.