Wooden Shelve, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian 20th Mid-Century Design

The shelf is characterized by a simple yet sophisticated design, which is a hallmark of Caldas’ work. Made entirely of wood, it showcases the natural beauty and grain of the material. The design eschews complexity, favoring clean lines and a functional structure. The vertical supports are slightly angled, providing stability and a unique profile that differs from conventional straight-legged designs.

The shelving units are tiered, with each shelf progressively becoming shallower from bottom to top, creating a visually interesting asymmetry that is both modern and practical. The construction details are minimalistic, with visible joinery that highlights the craftsmanship and solid construction without the use of excessive hardware or ornamentation.

The wood is a rich, reddish hardwood, which is a locally sourced Brazilian material. The finish on the wood is subtle, enhancing its natural color and texture without overshadowing the inherent characteristics of the material.

Overall, this piece reflects the design ethos of Zanine Caldas, who emphasized the organic qualities of wood, letting the material speak for itself within the parameters of functional, modern design.

About the designer:

José Zanine Caldas, often referred to as Zanine Caldas, was a notable Brazilian architect, furniture designer, and landscape artist whose career spanned from the 1940s until his death in 2001. Born in 1919 in Belmonte, Bahia, Caldas had an approach to design deeply influenced by Brazil’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage.

Caldas started his professional life as a scale model maker, which gave him a profound understanding of architectural forms and spatial relationships. He did not have a formal degree in architecture but was self-taught, drawing from his direct experience with materials and construction techniques.

In the 1940s, Caldas worked with leading Brazilian architects Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa, who were pivotal figures in the development of modern architecture in Brazil. During this period, Caldas gained significant knowledge in design and construction, which he later applied to his own work.

Caldas is well-known for his work with wood, which he often sourced from demolition sites, seeking to revalue and repurpose the material in an era when the environmental impact of deforestation was not yet widely acknowledged. His furniture designs are celebrated for their expressive use of Brazilian woods, organic forms, and sustainable practices. He was ahead of his time in his concern for the environment and the impact of deforestation, and he emphasized the importance of sustainability and respect for nature in design.

In the 1960s, Caldas founded the ‘Movimento da Nova Arquitetura’ in Brazil, which promoted the use of local materials and techniques in modern architecture. He also established a school in Ubá, where he taught young apprentices the art of woodworking and furniture making, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship.

Caldas’ work is widely recognized and respected in Brazil and internationally. His designs are often seen as a bridge between the modernist principles of form and function and a more holistic, environmentally conscious approach to design. His pieces are part of the collection of several museums, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Brazilian mid-century design.