Humberto Campana "the elder brother of the Campana brothers" had been a law student before his interest took a turn toward the world of art. The younger brother Fernando "as if to follow his big brother's footsteps and despite of his academic success in architecture" also took up a new course of his life as a furniture craftsman. The brothers formed a product design unit and have been working together in their atelier since 1984. Their handmade furniture is mainly made of used materials. By recycling and making a good use of waste wood or cheap materials, the Campanas have been introducing vibrant and colorful products with a taste of strong individuality. As expressionists of the Brazilian mentality and old customs, they have been greatly admired.

+81 : Do you think recycling is a typical Brazilian way of thinking?
When we started out, a lot of designers were using precious and expensive lumbers from Amazon rainforests because they wanted to attract public attention. But we didn't agree with their ways. Brazil is a very poor country and it lacks a lot of things. So Brazilians always tend to seek for a better life. Instead of moaning about the lack, we try to solve the problem by being creative. Also, Brazil has a very mixed culture and there coexist so many values and ideas. It's a country where Arabs and Jews can happily live together.

Campana Brothers Born in Brazil, Humberto and Fernando Campana find inspiration in Brazilian street life. These furniture + product designers work from Estudio Campana in Sao Paulo and also design for European clients such as Edra.