dossofiorito magnifies their love for plants with the phytophiler

dossofiorito magnifies their love for plants with the phytophiler
photo by omar nadalini

science proves that the presence of plants within our domestic and working environments are important to our overall health and well-being.

in particular is houseplants, those that are close to and alongside us throughout our daily routines, that we build a sympathetic relationship; morphing from decorative elements of the home to living and sentient roomates. it is through this interaction that we begin to observe and become aware of the micro-movements of flora and understand their needs, almost to the point of assigning them individual personalities.

with that, italian studio dossofiorito has conceived ‘the phytophiler’ – a contraption that encourages the care and physical exchange between humans and plants. exhibited at salone satellite 2014 is dedicated to plant lovers and their efforts to communicate with their greenery through various functional appendices that are attached to a central base.

magnifying glasses allow you to view the plants up close
photo by omar nadalini

‘the phytophiler’ is composed of hand-thrown terracotta pots that are polished with natural beeswax, accompanied by a variety of attachments in stainless steel and birch plywood that determine the movement and growth of vegetation. a series of holes around the circumference of the planters support these accessories that include: a magnifying glass that allows one to accurately observe leaves; mirrors to offer full views of one’s blooms, while multiplying their beauty; a resonant vase to please the growth of vegetation and enhance its development through vibrations; a small add-on garden which sees small shrubs extend outwards as if they are trees overlooking a field; a straw shelter to give restorative shade; a net structure that encourages sprouting, creating a domestic pergola; and finally, small vessels which act as satellites hosting smaller domestic plants, forming a microclimate in which the moisture produced from each flower that can join its neighbors in reciprocal well-being. 

photo by omar nadalini

magnifying glasses are attached to the edge of the terracotta pot giving detailed glimpses of the greenery
photo by omar nadalini

up close
photo by omar nadalini

looking at the composition of the plants
image © designboom

 update: the ‘phytophiler’ is on show at maison et objet 2014 in paris from september 5th-9th within the ‘NOW! design a vivre’ exhibition (hall 8, stand E41-F42).

magnifying glass appendices
image © designboom

image © designboom

looking closely at an orchid
image © designboom

a set of mirrors gives panoramic views of plantings
image © designboom

'the phytophiler' includes a number of appendices that encourage new interactions with plants
image © designboom

installation view of 'the phytophiler' at salone satellite 2014
image © designboom

image © designboom

small vases act as satellites hosting smaller domestic plants
photo by omar nadalini

a resonant vase enhances plant development through vibrations
photo by omar nadalini

a net structure directs the growth of plants creating an indoor pergola
photo by omar nadalini

the net in a horizontal arrangement
photo by omar nadalini

photo by omar nadalini

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