Formafantasma – a design studio led by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin – respond to the challenge of climate change by researching old technologies, which may have something to teach us.

Here you see one of their earliest projects, focusing on the all-but-forgotten craft of charcoal burning.

Given concerns about carbon in the atmosphere, charcoal might not seem like a very sustainable material. Yet it is an excellent means of water filtration. It was this property that inspired Formafantasma to make a series of objects with Swiss charcoal burner Doris Wicki. Their collaborative works are presented here alongside historic views of Chatsworth, where charcoal was once an important fuel source.

Will our world continue to be darkened by pollution? Or will we find a cleaner, healthier way forward? Formafantasma’s artefacts ask these questions, encouraging us to build a sustainable future.

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