artandsciencejournal:

Cummulus, Art that Tackles Environmental Challenges

In Le Laboratoire, Argentine architect and artist Ciro Najle and his team draw inspiration from the form and function of nature in their design of systems water uptake, Cummulus. An elaborate and moving sculpture, Cummulus is a bold engagement of both artistic and scientific dialogue.

Developed using computer-numerical technology and idealized using crochet and wool, Cummulus creatively tackles the challenges of global water distribution. Visually, in its elegant waves of extravagant crocheting, Cummulus is a sophisticated abstraction of the clouds. More technically, on the other hand, Cummulus is a “fog-collecting net” that captures moisture in the atmosphere from which it can be recycled into usable water, giving Cummulus a practical importance in the environmental concerns of water access.

Najle’s work not only aesthetically engages, but also interestingly treads the overlap of art and science, design and technology. Such overlap, as we might have come to sense, is one that may be potentially productive today as we gear for the future.

- Carrie Chui