Light Forest: Swarovski taps Brazilian nature and science for inspiration

Meanwhile, across the board, sustainability in luxury is becoming a priority. Mangue Grove, Swarovski’s Design Miami 2013 collaboration with Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres, is inspired by mangroves which are common in Brazil and also found in Florida. It is designed to highlight the issue of water conservation – Swarovski is heavily involved with this through its Waterschool project.

The structure references mangrove forests but also takes a scientific bent with interconnected cells inspired by Voronoi diagrams which explore the relationship between nature and science. Tubes are made with synthetic, crystal-filled tubes and lit by LEDs, and are connected by wooden geometric joints.

The structure is set over a wooden walkway with black mirror flooring in parts, resembling glacial water. Behind is an atmospheric sunset-hued screen. ‘I liked the idea of roots and connection, and also that mangroves are so complex. I also liked the idea of showing nature in a different way,’ says Torres. ‘Not a literal presentation of nature – using nature to add a different layer.’

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