Constantin Boym’s Ecophilia
A Series of Modern Habitats for Plants and Animals
By Staff | Spring 2023 | MakersInspired by Italian artist Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione, a manual of object designs that anyone can make without specialized training, designer Constantin Boym is releasing a new project, Ecophilia, in conjunction with Available Items, an interiors-focused store in Tivoli. Ecophilia is a series of modern habitats for plants and animals that anyone can build using materials and tools that are accessible, economical, and environmentally sound.
The project took shape while Boym, who chairs the Industrial Design department at Pratt Institute, was on sabbatical at his wooded home in Esopus. He conducted extensive research on animal habitats and built a series of structures for various creatures on his property. Seeing the need for a visually coherent design system that encourages people to make objects and connect with nature in the process, he decided to make his plans accessible to the public. “Today, when we aim to apply these principles on a global scale, the very idea of humanity should be measured through our relationship with all living creatures. The Ecophilia project is but a humble step in this direction,” Boym says.
There will be exhibition of habitats made by Boym at Available Items in Tivoli, March 18-26. An accompanying book containing detailed instructions for building and installing each piece will also be available for purchase. Availableitems.com