mindful MATERIALS and Studio O+A team up for the first artist rendering of the Common Materials Framework
I’ve spent the last year+ wrapping my brain around the complexities and possibilities of mindful MATERIALS’ Common Materials Framework — what it is, what it allows, its hierarchical structure, etc. At this point, I can confidently TACO ‘bout it you know? #iykyk
But beyond all that – beyond the data, eco-labels, standards, and levels – my favorite part is the why behind the CMF — why it was created and is needed. So you better believe I jumped (like two feet in, hands in the air jumped) at the chance to work with the renowned Studio O+A on the first-ever artist rendering of the CMF.
The poster “Our Invisible Threads” was released at NeoCon and serves as a powerful metaphor for the intricate and often unseen connections between our design choices and their broader impacts on people and the planet. It is also a powerful visual representation of the CMF’s heart.
Redefining Beauty in Design
We wanted to set a visionary tone with the poster's description: "One day, when good design is redefined, what makes a material beautiful or a room inviting will be its harmony with people and planet." This statement expresses the aspirational goal of sustainable design — where aesthetic appeal is intrinsically linked to environmental responsibility and social well-being.
Today, the frameworks and acronyms that guide sustainable practices are still being developed and refined. These things are the "invisible threads" that weave through the tapestry of our work, influencing our choices and shaping the built environment in ways that are not always visible. The poster emphasizes that while these frameworks and acronyms may eventually fade into the background, their importance cannot be understated. They are the foundational elements that ensure our designs are beautiful and sustainable.
The Role of Curiosity in Sustainable Design
A central theme of the poster is curiosity. It urges designers to ask better questions and challenge the status quo: "When I choose a material, what else am I choosing? Why that coating? Is that the best way to manufacture, or just how it's always been done?" We hope this encourages designers to delve deeper into the implications of their choices, considering the environmental and social impacts alongside the functional and aesthetic ones.
We celebrate a more thoughtful and informed design process by fostering a culture of curiosity. This approach leads to more sustainable outcomes and sparks innovation and creativity. Through this continuous questioning and exploration, new, more sustainable materials and methods can be discovered and implemented.
Bridging Design and Expression
The creation of "Our Invisible Threads" was a collaborative effort that brought together different artistic and design perspectives. Studio O+A Co-Founder Verda Alexander, Senior Designer Chelsea Hedrick, and Brand Designer Minnee Pham worked closely to bring this vision to life. They navigated the unique challenge of balancing artistic expression with the informative nature of the CMF.
Verda highlighted the importance of understanding that their role was to express creativity rather than solve a design problem.
“This mindset shift allowed the team to approach the project with a sense of freedom and experimentation,” she says, “ultimately leading to a more impactful and engaging final product.”
Minnee's hand-drawn illustrations were crucial in making the poster relatable and engaging for designers and non-designers. Her style added a personal touch that helped bridge the gap between complex sustainability concepts and the everyday decisions made by designers.
Inspiration and Impact
One source of inspiration for the project was a presentation by the Beehive Collective, known for its detailed and cohesive murals that tell powerful environmental stories. This influence is visible in the poster's intricate design and how it visually narrates the connections between materials, design choices, and their broader impacts.
The collaboration exemplifies how art and design can communicate complex ideas in an accessible and compelling way. "Our Invisible Threads" is not just a poster but a call to action. We can create a more harmonious and sustainable future for all by highlighting the connections between our choices and their impacts.
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