The new Furla HQ in Florence blends industrial architecture into the Italian landscape
The new Furla Headquarters are located in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, in the province of Florence, immersed in the Chianti area. The project highlights a paramount theme: the integration of the industrial architecture into the Italian landscape, providing an opportunity to rethink the quality of the workspace.
Architecture and nature are perfectly blended along all directions to create a unique element where the design and the Chianti landscape (defined by hills, heritage, and agricultural areas) communicate harmoniously.
The Furla factory covers 42,000sqm of soil – 18,300sqm built – and has three main volumes (one for offices, two for labs and logistics) designed to be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape, without too much contrast. Architecture and nature coexist in a functional balance.
The morphology of the land is truly taken into consideration and is enhanced through three fundamental elements – the driveway, the terraces, and Piazza Furla – which define clear areas around the building volumes. Thanks to a system of patios and green roofs overlooking the wooded area, nature crosses the boundaries between inside and outside. The main entrance recalls the archetype of Tuscan villa access: a linear row of cypresses welcoming visitors and showing the way through. This rhythm is replicated on the facade of the buildings with sunscreen filtering blades.
The entrance to the offices, with the double-height reception and the large open-air hall, becomes the point where the boundaries between architecture and landscape merge. The interiors have been designed in such a way as to have real layout flexibility. The orderly sequence of offices is punctuated by green patios, or relationship spaces.
Nature is a prominent element, not just because of its beauty (Chianti hills), but also because it creates a pleasant environment once blended into the building: patios, green coverings, and natural light contribute to a more sustainable working habitat, where people can also relax and enjoy contact with nature.
Finally, sustainability plays a key role in this project, which has been designed to comply with green energy best practices.
Photo credit: Fernando Guerra
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Febal Casa inaugurates UAE’s only Italian mono furnishing store in Dubai by Al Shamsi
The expansion plan of Febal Casa mono-brand store network continues apace with the opening of a new store in Dubai, as part of the brand’s plan for expansion abroad in the Group’s most strategic markets.
Colombini Group rushes to conquer the UAE, hoping to turn this new and dynamic market into one of the most important ones for the Group.
The flagship store in Dubai, occupying roughly 430sqm, is located in Al Marabea Sheikh Zayed Road, in the Al Quoz industrial zone.The layout of the new Febal Casa store in Dubai, in line with the organisation of Italian stores, presents the brand’s idea of a contemporary home and living and is designed to enhance the value of the various collections while offering customers a truly unique buying experience. The store concept involves the insertion of an exclusive space where the customer can benefit from a high-quality consulting service, a genuine Area Experience in which to view complete samples and choose from various customised furniture proposals.
The watchword is the Italian lifestyle. Innovative concepts and high quality are the true protagonists of the showroom, conceived and set up to offer a true experience of the furnishing of a house, with a touch of Italian taste, but adapted to the needs of local consumers.
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Italian Designer Gaetano Pesce’s iconic ‘UP’ chair on display at BurJuman
Nearly 50 years after award-winning Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce’s creation “UP” brought to the spotlight the prejudice, inequality, and oppression women faced in the 70s, the topic is still relevant today. The popular design is currently on display at BurJuman Mall in collaboration with Leonidas Dubai, world-renowned Belgian chocolate maker, until September 5, 2020.
The inspiration for “UP” came to the designer in a rather peculiar place, the shower, as he held a sponge in his hand and contemplated its ability to shrink and expand based on pressure. The unconventional style of Pesce’s gravity-defying chair – round, bulbous, curvy, yet sleek – and the accompanying ottoman, resembling a ball and chair, symbolised 70s femininity and gender oppression.
B&B Italia, who produced “UP” for Pesce in 1969, recently celebrated 50 years of the iconic chair by introducing seven new colourways in 2019.
Famously referred to as La Mamma, Big Mama and Donna, Gaetano Pesce’s “UP” has also been featured in the seventh James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever”.
Meet your new lucky charms—Laki and Nikko from Italian brand Chorustyle
Italian brand Chorustyle integrates the technology of the virtual showroom with the functionality of e-commerce, virtual.lakinikko.com and launches the first hybrid virtual reality project for luxury with an immersive 3D experience. At the center of the virtual platform are the two iconic cats Laki and Nikko, atelier design objects born from artisan tradition and innovative technology in the most authentic style of Chorustyle. Transforming one of the most beloved animals in the world into a high design object is the challenge embraced by Chorustyle, the project that celebrates Italy’s artisan and creative heritage and has chosen the cat as its symbol.
Chorustyle has transformed felines into precious decorator objects made with artisan techniques and available in small, medium and large formats. Laki is the equivalent of the Japanese talisman ensuring prosperity and happiness. Nikko the dreamer, curled up on a shelf or bed, is conducive to meditation and wisdom. The inspiration of Chorustyle comes from the “study of cats”, an impressive series of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci who considered cats special, even “brilliant”, like many Renaissance artists. Those who do not have a real cat would still want a symbolic one. Laki and Nikko are perfect for someone looking for a lucky charm, a design object, or a subtle light. There is nothing strange in wanting to pet them: after all, neurosciences believe that petting an animal is good for you. Besides their other qualities, we also consider them anti-stress..
Laki, the lucky cat who with its raised paw indicates the path for obtaining what is most desired, becomes an authentic source of inspiration that draws strength from its ability to blend into any setting with poise and elegance. Laki, the bearer of prosperity and happiness, projects a seductive touch of charm, allure and elegance upon the surrounding spaces. Its sinuous shape and glimmering reflections captivate and promote harmony and well-being with the surrounding world, instilling indomitable self-confidence.
Nikko, the cat of serenity, is the path for feeling at peace with yourself. Conveying calmness and imperturbability — an “illuminating ray of sunshine”, as suggested by the etymology — it helps achieve balance and harmony as it watches over people and the surrounding space. Nikko encourages one to fulfill wishes and make dreams come true, becoming a talisman able to grant spiritual and mental well-being. With their elongated shape they offer tranquility and protection and transform any environment, bringing light and warmth.
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