At a time of environmental pollution and material shortages, more and more people advocate sustainable design, and designers begin to consciously choose recyclable or second-hand materials for design. Not so for French designer François Champsaur, who has moved back to his native Marseille over the past few years and has focused on small-scale designs in support of local organic initiatives. In his new slogan for "less is more," "less" refers not so much to some minimalist aesthetic as to an overall shrunken lifestyle.

Left, photo of the interior ofChampsaur's house in Marseille. Right,Champsaur's work in the shop at Villa Jarnoye

"We can't keep making plastic chairs, the world we've built over the past 50 years is based on consumption. We think we're happy because we have access to everything, but now we're seeing the consequences of this artificial happiness."Champsaursaid. What's hidden from view can't be ignored now: "We hide everything we don't like - industrial waste, radioactive waste, polluted rivers. But today, everything comes to the surface. That's why it's necessary to evolve, to get the hang of it, to experiment and to be humble again. We are at a very important historical, moral and aesthetic crossroads: we must reconnect with the planet.” His solution came as he chaired the jury of the 2019 Toulon Design Parade Fully explored for the first time during the period, where he organized an exhibition called Restoring Nature Discussions, which focused on "Nature Design" using 100% natural materials that must be "compostable and reusable".

Champsaur's maroon furniture for the restaurant of the Musée Cannavale in Paris

ForChampsaur, that means using something other than plastic: "It would be a mistake to convince people that we can reuse plastic; 80 to 90 percent of plastic ends up in the trash can, into the ocean. The only thing to do is Use materials that are as raw and natural as possible.”Champsaurbelieves that design is both content and form; if the content is empty, the form is also empty. He also advocates the use of organic, living materials rather than dead ones, abandoning 3D and digital technology, and returning to the era of hand-made creation. He sees the fundamental question that designers will face in the coming years: Are we making designs that are dynamic?

Champsaur's house in Marseille

That question is answered in his latest designs, in which organic materials such as plaster, lime and compacted earth are present in the designer's two Mediterranean houses, which he uses as a laboratory to explore new ideas and Create unique pieces with local artisans.Champsaurbelieves that we should find ways to respond to the traditions of nature. His house in Marseille is also his studio, shaded by greenery and traditional canisses or reeds, and he will include pieces made of stone, chestnuts, plaster and local reeds, focusing on happy small-space living.

Champsaur's furniture for The Madrid Edition includes headboards and plaster lamps

Today, it is no accident that a very specific design reappears: "When we see auction and highly collectible furniture, it was created by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé and others. These designers all work with artisans; They are very close to the material, very focused on the work of the human hand rather than the work of the machine. Those who bravely face our environmental and social issues will live in a different, gentler way of life, more attuned to our local communities and Geographical way to find new energy and inspiration.

Article Source:艺术与设计

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