Morgan Ruben: Terra

The direct result of merging biology and design is the Terra project; a series of unique glass cylinders that encase miniature plants.

Conceived from the designer’s fascination with nature and the man made world. From orchids to the tiniest carnivorous plant, these “satellite” worlds provide refuge for the unique, the rare and the beautiful.

Most of the plants originate from tropical rainforests, with others originating from tropical wetlands and moist Savannah’s. Places that are rapidly disappearing or changing because of human influence. These natural treasures are preserved within several varieties of unique design objects. Made with primal materials such as borosilicate glass, hand blown by the artisans of the glass workshop of the Utrecht University, brass with integrated LED or OLED lighting and wood such as chestnut for the base.

Included in the project is an assortment of delicate brass tools to assist with the maintaining and cleaning of the cylinders. It contains a pair of minimalistic yet elegant tweezers, a brush and a natural sea sponge.

The title Terra is derived from latin, meaning “earth” or “our planet”. A fitting name, since these objects carry tiny yet vital pieces of our planet earth.

Terra
Design: Morgan Ruben