Andrea Trimarchi & Simone Farresin – FormaFantasma

Formafantasma is a research-based design studio founded in 2009 by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. The duo is based in Amsterdam and has a multidisciplinary approach, working at the intersection of design, craft, and technology. They are known for their experimental and conceptual work, often addressing social and environmental issues. Their projects have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the MoMA in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. In 2014, they were named the designers of the future by Design Miami/Basel. In 2020, they were appointed as the new head of the master’s program in contextual design at the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Origins & Early Influences

Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin met during their studies at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam, where they honed their artistic sensibilities and developed a shared fascination for exploring complex relationships between form and function. Their initial explorations centered around sculptural experimentation and material manipulation—a practice that would become foundational to FormaFantasma’s distinctive aesthetic. Influenced by thinkers like Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, whose concepts of rhizomatic thinking challenged traditional hierarchies and emphasized interconnectedness, the duo began to question established design paradigms and prioritize research as a catalyst for creative innovation. This intellectual grounding continues to permeate their work, informing their engagement with pressing social and ecological concerns.

Formafantasma’s Design Philosophy

At FormaFantasma, Trimarchi and Farresin champion a holistic approach to design—one that considers not only visual aesthetics but also material sourcing, production processes, and the broader context of cultural consumption. They reject simplistic solutions and instead strive to provoke dialogue about sustainability, ethics, and the role of design in shaping human experience. Their studio’s methodology is characterized by meticulous research into historical precedents and contemporary scientific advancements—a deliberate effort to transcend stylistic trends and generate conceptually resonant outcomes. This commitment to intellectual rigor distinguishes FormaFantasma from many other design studios and underscores their conviction that design can serve as a powerful tool for fostering social responsibility.

Notable Projects & Exhibitions

Formafantasma’s portfolio spans diverse mediums, including furniture design, sculptural installations, film productions, and publishing ventures—all united by a consistent preoccupation with materiality and conceptual exploration. Their breakthrough came with “Ore Streams,” presented at the XXII Triennale di Milano in 2019, an ambitious investigation into the lifecycle of electronic waste—a project that underscored their commitment to confronting environmental challenges head-on. Subsequent exhibitions have showcased their work internationally, cementing FormaFantasma’s reputation as pioneers of experimental design and critical cultural commentary. Highlights include “Cambio,” exploring the realities of timber industry (Serpentine Galleries, London, 2020), “Oltre Terra: Why Wool Matters” delving into the culture of sheep farming and wool processing (National Museum, Oslo, 2023), and collaborations with prominent brands like Lobmeyr and Prada.

Recognition & Future Directions

Formafantasma’s innovative approach to design has garnered widespread acclaim—including accolades from Wallpaper*, Dezeen, and Forbes—and solidified their position as leading voices in the contemporary art world. Their appointment as head of the GEO–Design master's program at Design Academy Eindhoven reflects their dedication to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a new generation of designers committed to tackling complex societal issues. Looking ahead, FormaFantasma remains steadfast in its pursuit of transformative design interventions—projects that challenge conventional assumptions about materiality, production, and consumption while simultaneously advocating for a more equitable and ecologically sound future.