«Nature»

For once, the watchword is not «form follows function,» as proposed by the American architect Louis Sullivan at the end of the nineteenth century, but rather «form follows nature.» In spite of, and perhaps also because of, the popularity of the – often misunderstood – functionalist formula, people have often focused their intention instead on the beauty and purposefulness of nature. Nature offers both a challenge and an enormous treasure trove of ideas. Not only designers and artists but also engineers and architects are inspired and guided by its bounty, translating colors and shapes as well as structures and complex processes found in nature in their work. The origins of the designs are not always immediately recognizable – but names such as «Litter Shark,» «Leaf Lamp,» or «The Gherkin» certainly provide a clue.