Fernando & Humberto Campana (the Campana Brothers, 1953 & 1961): 'Cabana' cabinet for Edra, 2010

H 192 cm - Dia.: 100 cm

The 'Cabana' is a storage unit arranged around a central column supporting five shelves. The structure, made in aluminum and other metals, is entirely concealed by dangling lengths of fire-proofed raffia.

The Campana Brothers, Humberto and Fernando, are among the icons of contemporary furniture design. Since 1983, the Brazilian siblings have achieved both national and international recognition and popularity thanks to their ingenious designs and creativity. The brothers (Humberto Campana, b. 1953 and Fernando Campana, b. 1961) created Estudio Campana in 1984 in São Paulo. From the very beginning, collaboration with local communities, factories, and industries have been an important part of their activities. In view of this mindset, it comes as no surprise that there is a huge emphasis on handcrafted and artisanal work. Via their pieces, the Campana Brothers institute conversation around ethical production, sustainability and social awareness into some of the world’s most alluring interiors.

Estudio Campana is recognized for its intriguing and one-of-a-kind pieces. There is no better evidence of their overflowing creativity than listing their current activities: the studio operates in the areas of architecture, landscaping, scenography, fashion as well as special projects and commissions. Their creative process raises everyday materials to nobility, bringing not only creativity to design but also Brazilian characteristics - the colours, the mixtures, the creative chaos - the triumph of simple solutions, in an artistic and poetic way. Campana pieces are part of permanent collections of renowned cultural institutions such as Centre Pompidou and the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, MoMa, New York, Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo and Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein. They have worked with Alessi and Fontana Arte on limited edition pieces, and their studio crafts its own unique handmade pieces. Those special editions are included in the permanent collections of renowned cultural institutions as well.

The São Paulo-based studio is acknowledged internationally as pioneer of disruptive design, which led them to create a ground-breaking language in their field. Proudly rooted in Brazilian culture and traditions, their works carry universal values in their core, such as freedom and human dignity, through the search of our identity from life experiences. In 2009, the Campana Brothers founded Instituto Campana, in order to preserve their ever-growing collection for future generations and to promote design as a tool for transformation through social and educational programs.

Their unique designs have earned them numerous awards, including the Ordre des Arts et Lettres from the Ministry of Culture in France and the Order of Cultural Merit in Brazil. Their work has been the subject of several exhibitions, including the 2008 exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York (link).

Interior photo by Kato Peeters.