Cambio

date and location: May 15th - October 24th, 2021, Centro Pecci, Prato, ITA

Cambio, from the medieval Latin word "cambium", means "change, exchange." The evolution of this form of trade over time and its vast expansion around the world has made it difficult to regulate. It originated from bioprospecting that took place throughout colonial territories during the 19th century, becoming one of the world's largest industries both in terms of the revenue it generates and the impact it has on the planet's biosphere. This multidisciplinary exhibition highlights the crucial role that design can play in our environment and its responsibility to look beyond its boundaries. The future of design can and should attempt to translate emerging environmental awareness into a renewed understanding of the philosophy and politics of trees that will encourage informed and collaborative responses. 

For the exhibition in Prato, the reflections conducted by the original project will be the subject of unprecedented combinations and further suggestions, such as the comparison with Giuseppe Penone's long-standing research on trees.