Cradle of Forest: A Postcard That Sprouts Life

Reiko Kitora and Atsuhito Kitora's Innovative Design

The Cradle of Forest is more than just a postcard. It's a celebration of nature's cycle, a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment, and a tangible way to incorporate this cycle into our daily lives. The design is inspired by the natural transformation of forests, from the vibrant colors of autumn leaves to the lush green of new growth. The postcard is a thin sheet of seeds, which, when watered, sprouts into a miniature forest, becoming a gift from, and eventually to, the forest.

The postcard is made from fallen leaves that are ground into powder, mixed with paste, and dried to create a strong, biodegradable material. The card is reinforced with fiber nets made from splintered coniferous trees. Underneath the stamps are seeds that sprout when watered, thanks to plant food incorporated into the fiber nets. This innovative use of natural materials not only gives the postcard its unique properties but also aligns with the designers' goal of establishing systems that are gentle to the global environment.

The Cradle of Forest is not just a design, but an experience. The act of watering the postcard and watching the seeds sprout brings a touch of nature into our daily lives. The postcard can be placed anywhere, carried around, and eventually returned to the earth, completing the natural cycle it represents. This interaction with nature is a key feature of the design, making it more than just a physical object.

The design was realized in Tokyo, Japan, between July 2005 and July 2006, and was re-released in 2017. The designers' notes reveal a deep understanding of the importance of recognizing the reality of our situation and envisioning a better future. The Cradle of Forest is a manifestation of this vision, a tangible representation of the dream of a greener, more sustainable world.

In conclusion, the Cradle of Forest is a unique design that brings the natural cycle into our daily lives, promotes environmental preservation, and provides a tangible way to interact with nature. Its innovative use of natural materials, its interactive nature, and its underlying message make it a deserving winner of the Silver A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award. As the designers say, it's a gift from the forest, and eventually, a gift to the forest.