José Zanine Caldas

José Zanine Caldas was a Brazilian designer, architect, and artist, born on June 16, 1919, in Belmonte, Bahia, Brazil, and passed away on March 22, 2001, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is known for his contributions to Brazilian modernist design and his use of sustainable materials and construction techniques.
 
Caldas began his career as a self-taught designer and artisan, working with a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and clay. He developed a passion for using locally-sourced, sustainable materials in his designs, which was influenced by his upbringing in a small farming community in northeastern Brazil.
 
Caldas became known for his furniture designs, which were characterized by their simple, organic forms and use of natural materials. He created a range of pieces, including chairs, tables, and benches, that were highly sought after for their unique style and craftsmanship. He also designed a number of buildings, including homes and public spaces, that featured sustainable materials and construction techniques.
 
In addition to his design work, Caldas was an artist and sculptor, working with wood and other natural materials to create abstract forms and sculptures that reflected his interest in the natural world.
 
Caldas' work was highly influential in shaping Brazilian modernist design, and his commitment to sustainable materials and techniques remains relevant today. Many of his designs are considered design classics and continue to be popular with design enthusiasts around the world.