In a groundbreaking collaboration, architectural firm RDAI and Canadian rug manufacturer Creative Matters have unveiled 'Zoometry,' an extraordinary collection of six rugs that redefines the intersection of art, science, and design. This project, conceived as a "passion project" in conjunction with Maison & Objet, transcends conventional rug design by delving into the intricate, microscopic world of nature's smallest creatures. Each rug is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, blending advanced parametric 3D modeling with traditional Tibetan knotting techniques to transform biological structures into captivating abstract patterns.
The genesis of the 'Zoometry' collection lies in RDAI interior architect Johan Thuillot's innovative vision. Rather than depicting creatures literally, Thuillot sought to capture their inherent structural beauty. Utilizing cutting-edge parametric 3D modeling software, Grasshopper, he meticulously replicated the microscopic workings of Earth's tiniest organisms. This intricate biological data was then flattened into two-dimensional patterns, ready to be translated into the luxurious textures of Tibetan wool and Chinese silk. This experimental approach marks a significant departure for both RDAI and Creative Matters, pushing the boundaries of textile design.
The collaboration further blossomed with the involvement of Creative Matters' textile artists, Anna Panosyan and Clémence Hardelay. They translated Thuillot's complex layouts into a vibrant palette of colors, applying subtle gradations that evoke movement, depth, and the natural intensification of pigments seen in the wild. This two-year-long, highly iterative process, which Panosyan playfully describes as "micromanagement," involved continuous refinement and artistic dialogue between the teams. The result is a collection where each rug, from the vibrant Coral to the ethereal Butterfly 03, tells a story of meticulous detail and artistic dedication.
The exhibition at Galerie Mouvements Modernes in Paris provides a unique insight into this creative journey. Laser-engraved glass blocks accompany the rugs, offering a fascinating demystification of the design process. These blocks showcase the delicate 3D structures of butterfly wings and spiderwebs, which appear to twist and flow when viewed from the side, while their bird's-eye perspective reveals the 2D facsimiles that inspired the rug patterns. The centerpiece, Butterfly 02, laid out on a long plinth, features hundreds of rectangular cells reminiscent of a butterfly's distinctive ocelli, or "eyespots," drawing viewers into the microscopic world that inspired its creation.
Panosyan emphasizes the "couture" nature of these pieces, highlighting the masterful color gradation in the Coral rug and the moiré effect achieved in Butterfly 03, which mimics the curvature of a wing in flight. The creation of these rugs required an exceptional level of skill and dedication. Creative Matters sourced artisans from beyond their usual Nepalese mill, seeking those proficient in a specific Tibetan knot. Working in teams of three or four, these artisans could complete no more than 7cm, or 400 knots, per day on a single 3x2 meter rug. With each rug boasting a total density of 1.8 million knots, the human touch is evident, adding a unique dimension and subtle imperfections that celebrate its handmade quality. Panosyan views these rugs as timeless heirlooms, designed to be cherished for generations, embodying a unique fusion of art, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.