Made in Earth Collective
Sowing Design and Architecture for a Regenerative Future
"Indigenous technologies embody millennia of expertise and continuous adaptation for sustainable living," Julia Watson writes in her book Lo—TEK. Watson inspires us to consider "an innovative architecture of the heart," a concept that unites the elegance of pure design with the authenticity of local natural materials. This approach to design and architecture shapes creations that are not only delicate and functional but are also in deep harmony with our spiritual connections, inspiring a vision of Earth's regenerative future. This re-envisioning of how we interact with our environment signals a critical shift in design and architecture philosophies as we address the challenges of the Anthropocene—an era distinctly marked by human impact on Earth's ecosystems.
In this pivotal era, the integration of anthropology, ecology, and innovation becomes the most essential discourse of our time. Redefining our understanding of technology to embrace indigenous innovation is crucial. Indigenous cultures, often marginalized and labelled as primitive, actually harbour a wealth of ecological intelligence and regenerative practices. Recognizing and integrating this millennia-old wisdom into the mainstream narrative of technological and architectural advancement is not merely an act of reparation but a necessary strategy for survival. In the Anthropocene, "humankind will need to redefine the mythology of technology to include indigenous innovation," an essential shift that acknowledges the sophisticated environmental ingenuity of these cultures.
BEEJA | A Raw Earth Installation | Office Interiors, Bangalore | Photography Shruthi Ramakrishna, Niranjana Madan
Located in the verdant Kaveri belt of Southern India, the Made in Earth Collective stands at the forefront of regenerative design and architecture. This team of skilled artisans and designers merges ancient practices with innovative solutions, crafting spaces, exhibitions, and body ornaments that are both functional and spiritually enriching. Their approach challenges the conventional norms of modern technology, emphasizing the relevance of traditional ecological practices in contemporary design.
The Collective is deeply committed to reviving and integrating local traditions and ecological wisdom. They actively engage in conversations that bridge the community with craftsmen, and natural materials with bio-sourced innovations. This commitment extends to their method of working directly within the diverse landscapes of Southern India, where they explore and utilize the plethora of natural materials available.
In their quest to redefine the materials used in design and architecture, the Collective's work involves an immersive engagement with the environment. Rather than merely sourcing raw materials, they immerse themselves in the local ecosystem, forging partnerships with indigenous communities and learning from the land itself. This close interaction ensures that their designs are deeply connected to the cultural and environmental context of the region.
This dedication to localism and ecological stewardship highlights their ongoing voyage to foster deeper ecological relationships. By innovatively using both native and invasive plant species, the Collective crafts designs that are true testaments to regenerative practices.
‘a loofah landscape ’ in collaboration with Belavala Foundation. Working in tandem with the process of seed conservation, we utilise the fibres that are generated as a by-product. Sown, harvested, and stitched into glowing tapestries by the women and the men of the farm; this ordinary fibre, in the hands of ordinary people, witnesses an extraordinary transformation.
Loofah farm
‘a loofah landscape ’ | art Installation | Dubai Design Week
Dubai Design Week
At Dubai Design Week 2023, the Made in Earth Collective unveiled "The Future Will Be Sown - Fibre, Timber & Possibilities," an art installation transcending traditional display purposes. This installation invited attendees to ponder the theme of 'sowing'—a metaphor for forward-thinking and nurturing connections with the land and communities. It presented a compelling challenge to all: "Let us sow before we build," emphasizing the need for adopting climate-resilient practices. This installation suggested that a regenerative future could indeed be cultivated collectively, one seed, one stitch, and one story at a time.
Each component of "The Future Will Be Sown" was designed as a physical object and a bearer of deeper meanings and possibilities, encouraging a profound engagement with the materials used.
'A Loofah Landscape'
In partnership with the Belavala Foundation, this installation segment showcased the innovative use of loofah fibres, a by-product of seed conservation efforts. Local farmers harvested, processed, and intricately woven these fibres into radiant tapestries, transforming this commonplace material into something truly extraordinary under the community's hands.
'A Coco Bench'
Collaborating with BWS—Bram Woodcrafting Studio and utilizing Georg Leuzinger's expertise, this piece highlighted the sustainable use of coconut timber sourced from the region's abundant coconut plantations. This tough, fibrous wood was masterfully transformed into stylish, functional furniture, exemplifying the adaptive reuse of an underutilized natural resource.
'Possibilities'
This part of the installation, developed in collaboration with the students of Sparkling Mindz Global School in Bangalore, utilized materials such as rice husk, cane bagasse, wild seeds, and leaf sheaths. These materials, whether planted, foraged, or derived as agricultural by-products, embarked on a tactile, visual, and emotional journey. Through performative portraits, the students delved into the less tangible aspects of 'the future will be sown,' exploring and expressing the latent potentials of these organic materials.
KANAJA, The story of three granarys, an Installation for Serendipity Art Festival | Panjim, Goa
Body Ornament Crafted from Flamed Lantana
Behind-the-Scenes Video and Images Courtesy of Made in Earth Collective
“Over several months now, we’ve made unexpected discoveries by establishing new relationships with our ecologies. Immersing ourselves in unfamiliar landscapes, traveling to the source of a raw material, exploring indigenous practices, embracing storytelling, and fostering new friendships, have contributed to a dramatic turn in our perception of how design can both belong to a place and innovate itself.”
Milan Design Week
At Milan Design Week 2024, the Made in Earth Collective further developed the themes and materials introduced in Dubai with their exhibition titled "The Future Will Be Sown - Body Ornaments." This presentation not only expanded on their narrative but also featured wearable ornaments that exemplified exceptional craftsmanship while telling the ecological stories of the Indian landscape. Highlighted within these pieces were natural materials such as sisal, loofah, flamed lantana, areca sheath and water hyacinth, each chosen for their adaptability and ongoing relevance in diverse forms and contexts.
Each ornament was meticulously crafted, embodying the natural colours, textures, and essence of the landscapes from which their materials were sourced. The collective's display invited attendees to engage with these pieces physically, offering an opportunity to experience firsthand the symbiotic relationship with natural elements. This interactive approach allowed participants to appreciate the deep connections between traditional materials and contemporary design, fostering a greater understanding of sustainability and cultural heritage.
Video Behind the Scenes - Milan Design Week 2024 by Made in Earth Collective
Body Ornament Crafted from Water Hyacinth
Behind-the-Scenes Video and Images Courtesy of Made in Earth Collective