Formafantasma

One of the things we love most about the Formafantasma is their philosophy. They are more than just creators of beautiful things: they are researchers, teachers, activists, and more. Formafantasma frequently collaborates with professionals across disciplines, including scientists, anthropologists, and even philosophers, to create work that evinces a deep appreciation for materials, processes, historical contexts, and future possibilities. 

Trimarchi and Farresin draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including traditional craftsmanship, natural phenomena, and industrial production methods. By integrating these diverse perspectives into their work, Formafantasma creates designs that are not only visually striking but also intellectually stimulating.  ▪

Formafantasma’s work often investigates the relationship between tradition and modernity, exploring how design can reflect cultural, social, and environmental concerns. They take a narrative-driven approach that delves deeply into a specific theme. Like Max Lamb, Formafantasma embraces experimentation as a path toward innovation and discovery.

ExCinere is a quintessentially Formafantasma example of this experimental approach. Created in partnership with slow-design specialist Dzek (which partners with like-minded designers to produce architectural materials guided by nature) the duo set out to create a product from non-extractive materials. 

The frequently-changing terrain surrounding Mt. Etna provided an excellent resource. 

“The earth is emitting this abundant material, this self-generating material,” explained Dzek founder Brent Dzekciorius. “We’re not mining or digging holes.” The team used the active volcano’s ash and basalt (the name is taken from the latin ex cinere, meaning “from ash”) to create a range of glazes in colors that are as much about the terrain itself. The resulting tile tells the story of the region, whose landscape and environment is constantly changing due to the frequent eruptions of Mt. Etna.   ▪

Rigorous research plays an important role in Formafantasma’s design. Trimarchi and Farresin invest significant time and effort into investigating the social, cultural, and environmental implications of their work, in addition to the impact of historical context and traditional craftsmanship. Research for ExCinere was based on past work by the pair, going back as far as 2010 when Trimarchi and Farresin began studying volcanic materials from Sicily and southern Italy — as well as the impact of heavy tourism around the region. Their research has granted them a deep understanding of the history and culture of the region, as well as the relationship the inhabitants have with the volcanoes that surround them.

Using ash in ceramic glazes is not new, particularly in more art-based ceramics. But volcanic ash possesses metallic oxides that make it highly unpredictable when firing, making them far more challenging to produce repeatedly with any level of consistency.

Undaunted, Formafantasma and Dzek took over three years of constant experimentation before finally finding a formula that worked.  ▪

Another important research-based project is Cambio. Originally started in 2020 for an exhibition at the serpentine gallery, cambio explores the history of the timber industry. The project collaborated with a number scientific and environmental experts to create an exhibiton the narrates the impact of the industry from its earliest day. 

Though the exhibition is no longer running, the research project still informs the studio’s work and played an important role in their 2023 Forest collection, made in collaboration with Artek.  ▪

Formafantasma’s rigorous approach to design is further distinguished by the studio’s commitment to advocacy. The use of eco-friendly materials and production methods are almost de rigueur in the design world these days (or at least talked about a great deal), but few take their environmental responsibility as deeply as Formafantasma.

Trimarchi and Farresin not only approach the problem through materials and processes but through a holistic effort to minimize their ecological footprint as much as possible. Part of this process involves raising awareness about the environmental impact of resource extraction, as their Cambio project did. Another is the embracing of waste or overlooked materials, as they did with ExCinere.

Other projects have tackled issues such as immigration, cultural identity, human rights, and animal welfare. By giving voice to marginalized communities and challenging dominant narratives, Formafantasma demonstrates the transformative power of design to effect positive change in the world.

Formafantasma’s work inspires us to reimagine the role of design in shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world. By expanding what a design practice entails, they have paved the way for future designers to innovate, collaborate, and reimagine what design can be.  ▪