Mineral Matter

From enamelled glass in the Renaissance to the copper and iron that drove the industrial revolutions, mineral matter has shaped cultures, economies and landscapes. Techniques such as glassblowing and iron forging traditionally involved a combination of craftsmanship and utility. New forms of these traditions are now emerging in projects that combine recycled materials with advanced technologies, such as curved glass or ceramic 3D printing, proving that it is possible to respect history in innovation.

However, mineral extraction accounts for 11% of the world's energy, and 37% of CO2 emissions are generated by the construction sector. Design has the potential to change this. By choosing local materials, such as sandstone or recycled glass, we can reduce emissions and minimise water and energy consumption, not only lowering the environmental footprint but also supporting local production ecologies and giving rise to new creative, sustainable and innovative opportunities. These practices combine innovation and tradition, fostering a circular economy that brings back and adapts ancestral techniques and materials to meet current challenges.