The c(AI)rcles’s Pentagon

By Gencork | Sofalca

Design por le_Brimet

SOFALCA, a company that produces Expanded Black Cork in Abrantes has been operating for over 50 years, presents the exhibition The C(AI)rcle Pentagon at MNAC, designed by the designer le_Brimet for GENCORK curated by Joana Beirão - Portugal Faz Bem.

This creative journey, which explores the universe of artificial intelligence in association with the unique properties and versatility of cork, reflects the visionary profile of the Estrada family in supporting the development of newforms of artistic creation that explore the relationship between cork, technology, and sustainability. With a strong technical component and recognized as a global reference in the production of Expanded Black Cork products, Sofalca has responded to challenges posed by architects and designers in favor of technological innovation and cultural development. It has been a pioneer in introducing generative and (re)generative systems into the field of design, in partnership with the Spectroom studio. With an approach rooted in constant exploration and development, Sofalca has proven to be a company ahead of its time, where cultural heritage blends seamlessly with a forward-looking vision focused on creating new experiences in architecture and design.

The design/art installation - The c(AI)rcle´s pentagon, which explores the connection between artificial intelligence, (re)generativedesign, art, and sustainability, is produced using Sofalca's expanded black cork, materializing the concept of “Naturology” (nature + technology).

The panels used in its creation are made exclusively from the branches (falca) of cork oak trees in Portugal.

This exploratory circular structure, based on biomimetic principles, replicates organic natural phenomena, decoded by humans in co-creation with algorithmic computation. It is produced using CNC cutting machines, revealing new creative processes in the field of contemporary art and design.