A new episode of Design Watching, Salone del Mobile.Milano’s column featuring industry experts through the lens of a selection of products, to showcase ideas and visions
STORIES
Design objects, insights and interesting facts: Design Watching shines the spotlight on the visions shared by journalists and professionals in the design world. This month, after Bianca Felicori, Salone del Mobile’s new column features Marcela Fibbiani, journalist and editor. With a degree in Sociology of Design from the University of Buenos Aires and one in Set Design from the Higher School of Fine Arts at Argentina’s National University of the Arts, Fibbiani is based in her native city Buenos Aires, and is co-founder of design magazine 90+10. “As a Design Watcher, I pointed out five objects that have got unique characteristics that make it possible for us to have an intense relationship with them,” Fibbiani explains. “Objects are crucially important in our lives. They are not only valuable for their functionality and how they improve our daily lives, but also for what they look and feel like.”
Bonnet,
MDF Italia, design by Marialaura Irvine
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I was completely attracted by Bonnet, a table design by Marialaura Irvine for MDF Italia. Extremely thin (only 3 cm) but incredibly resistant, the asymmetrical top is finished with Coccioperla, a mix obtained from a mixture of mortar, aggregates and crushed mother-of-pearl. It is applied with a spatula through a manual process. When you combine several tables, you can create different compositions, that invite unprecedented social experiences.
Bonnet, MDF Italia, design by Marialaura Irvine
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Step-by-Step, Tubes Radiatori, design by Alberto Meda
If I should buy a radiator, I definitely will look for one designed by Alberto Meda for Tubes. Step-by-Step is a really good option: it consists of vertical aluminum modules with elliptical ribs that can be installed individually or side-by-side with another. It is efficient in energy terms, and the modules can both be directed towards the left or both towards the right. It fits in everywhere and can be seen as a piece of modern art as well.
Step-by-Step, Tubes Radiatori, design by Alberto Meda
Loos, Sollos, design by Jader Almeida
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Just take off your jacket when you arrive, and spread it on this sculptural accessory, convinced that it will not have any wrinkles at all when you leave… This is Loose, the hanger designed by Jader Almeida for Sollos in solid wood, that can even be an extraordinary piece of decoration. Well thought and manufactured with the best materials; using the best technology, with an artisan know-how.
Loos, Sollos, design by Jader Almeida
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Africa, Vibia, design by Francisco Gómez Paz
Some objects have the capacity to connect with us on a deep level. This happened to me with Africa, the portable light designed by Francisco Gómez Paz for Vibia and launched at Euroluce 2023. The Argentinian designer was inspired by the elegance of the African sculptures he used to see when he was a child. In this desk lamp made in full aluminum with a battery-powered LED light source in its base, I can recognize the stylized body of my beloved grandmother, who was of African descent. As Vibia said: “Africa combines richness of form with high performance lighting capabilities”. I would add: and good memories…
Africa, Vibia, design by Francisco Gómez Paz
Technogym Ride, Technogym
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As a spinning fan, I choose to share with you the Technogym Ride, an indoor bike connected to a cycling app, which allows you to virtually ride in a variety of routes that you can enjoy on a 22-inch screen, which conveys an immersive indoor experience. It is quiet enough to use at home, and you can set up a completely customized training plan based on your personal goals. Isn't it wonderful? Technology (TECHNO) + sport (GYM).
Technogym Ride, Technogym
Stay tuned！
