Much like the scientific explorers of the 18th and 19th century such as Alexander Humboldt and the Austrian writer Stefan Zweig – author of the 1940s landmark book on Brazilian history, economy and culture “Brazil a Land of the Future” – the result of my research will reflect my condition as a foreign observer, and will thus be partial and subjective.

I have therefore looked into travel writing and expedition accounts as models for my “landscape narrative”.

Starting at the MOB Design Conference in São Paulo in late July, I will continue my 1-month long research trip across the country by visiting and talking to designers in their studios in different cities.

I have identified – with the help of local curators, editors and design historians – designers in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre. From those two or three “anchor designers” I will then branch out into their network of professional/personal acquaintances, thus emphasizing the personal, human connection aspect of my exploration.