In the realm of contemporary design and architecture, the relationship between nature and artifice emerges as a central theme-an ever-evolving dialogue that shapes unique spaces while celebrating the beauty of the landscape and the richness of materials. Architect Kasper Pilemand from the Dorte Mandrup studio has shared insights into the evolution of The Whale project, which stands on the Norwegian coast as an ode to the materiality of concrete, a substance that resonates with the surrounding cliffs and blends seamlessly into the natural environment. Another noteworthy example is the House at Ribeira dos Moinhos, designed by João Cepeda, where the building camouflages itself within the rock, almost as if it seeks to disappear into the surrounding landscape. The juxtaposition of natural and synthetic materials is also a crucial aspect, vividly illustrated in the alpine residence designed by Storagemilano, which celebrates the contrast between the warm wood typical of local tradition and metal. This theme is further evidenced in the
selection of products related to living spaces, a focus of this issue, showcasing how sustainable materials and comfort coexist in perfect harmony. A virtuous model of how sustainability is fully integrated into the chosen theme is the residence designed by A31 Architecture in Mykonos. The dry stone wall made of granite, a central element of the project, draws inspiration from ancient
local construction techniques and integrates flawlessly into its context.
In contrast, the Earthsea Pavilion by Studio Ossidiana embodies a purely biophilic inspiration; an ephemeral work hosted in the courtyard of Hof Bladelin in Bruges, the structure resembles a fragment of the sea that has washed ashore, breathing and listening to the waves and wind, poetically intertwining past and present, nature and artifice. The bond between humanity and nature must also be explored through experimental projects, such as Back to Dirt by Aléa, among others, which investigates the potential of mycelium to create objects that biodegrade and return to the world what the world bestows upon us.
In conclusion, the dialogue between nature and artifice serves as an invitation to reflect on our relationship with the environment, envisioning a future where humanity and nature can coexist in harmony.