monas
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
With the flower press "Monas" I make an invitation to contemplate at a time when it is crucial to activate the relationships between the micro and the macro. Climate change is the event of our present that most urgently challenges us, individually and collectively, to restore the balance between the big and the small in search of sustainable ways of life.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
An invitation to contemplation ...
The Greek word "monas" (Greek "uovas") means "one". For the philosopher and mathematician Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) "monas" represents the smallest possible unit in geometry (the point) and in physics (the atom). And yet, in an astrological sense "monas" reflects the smallest possible unit as well as its unity with the entire universe. The smallest of natural objects is a microcosm that shows the astrological influence of the macrocosm. Each "monkey" represents the entire universe.
With the flower press "Monas" I make an invitation to contemplate at a time when it is crucial to activating the relationships between the micro and the macro. Climate change is the event of our present that most urgently challenges us, individually and collectively, to restore the balance between the big and the small in search of sustainable ways of life. Artisans, thanks to the resources we use and the way we transform them, are productive and social agents who can and must inspire paths for this restoration. With "Monas" I not only deliver a 100% sustainable artisanal product in terms of the use of resources and its form of production but with it, I offer the user an "observation tool" with which to relearn and reconnect with lost relationships between the micro and the macro.
Key objectives for sustainability
this product, including all production residue, is 100% compostable, the production is done with hand tools.
Only natural materials have been applied.
The first challenge of this design has been to find a pressing mechanism that does not involve materials that are not typical of traditional joinery, that is, to avoid, for example, the use of metal fittings or screws. In this case, with only two natural materials - wood and rope - the challenge of the mechanism has been solved. Let us also remember that the use of the rope is an own resource of the traditional cabinetmaking used in certain cases to exert pressure. The combination of the different woods chosen - walnut, cherry, and ash - is an aesthetic decision that helps me to accentuate the constructive and functional details. This product is made with manual/traditional cabinetmaking tools. It is 100% compostable and with a minimal production environmental impact and is easy to use.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
This product is primarily a simple and easy-to-use tool to press flowers for an herbarium, but secondary and more importantly, by using the "tool" it reveals its actual main function: creating awareness of the micro in nature in the one who uses the tool. It is provoking and teaching attitudes of patience, care-taking, awareness, contemplation, reflection, and observation. attitudes, which are tools in itself, which should be included in the toolbox with which we pretend to create future.
It is most critical to avoid monocultures in all environments, also in the ones of technology. it is crucial that the above-mentioned attitudes, natural to the artisan way of working complement the technological development. "monas" pretend to do just that.
Key objectives for inclusion
this product was designed with everybody in mind, there is no specific target group. Although there is a simpler and cheaper model designed specifically for use in schools and educational programs.
Results in relation to category
monas was awarded the Galician crafts award in 2019. the jury report highlights Quality, subtlety, poetry, and the evocation of nature, starting from simple elements to arrive at a conceptually resounding and beautiful piece. The author's multidisciplinary work encompasses art, design, or crafts with an ethical way of production, in keeping with the professional integrity of the person creating the object.
How Citizens benefit
citizens or civil society was not involved in the development of "monas" other than being a source of inspiration.
Innovative character
At first sight, one could mention the "technical" design of this simple press an innovation, but the true innovation lies in the fact that this product's main function lies in what is normally considered to be an "added value". The experience and its benefits are the true functions of this product. So the innovation lies in the re-evaluation of the "added value" and making it the main value.
