In conversation with Studio Zanellato/Bortotto/
Design is a continuous conflict between nature and artifice, a tension that at times resolves in favor of one or the other. Memphis has always chosen artifice, constructing imaginary landscapes and sampling color palettes from a surreal elsewhere. Brayda—the original name of Bra, the town where Abet is based—is the console and storage unit designed by Studio Zanellato/Bortotto to reaffirm the supremacy of nature, evoking the gentle hills of the Piedmontese countryside through a sense of harmony.
The idea gains further resonance when considering that this piece narrates the story and colors of its territory, beginning with the most classic and neutral material in Abet’s catalog: laminate. Here, the studio reinterprets the material by infusing it with the softness and sinuosity of natural forms it seeks to honor, emphasizing the edging as a decorative element that reveals both its technical virtues and its history.
INTRODUCTION
We are Giorgia and Daniele from Studio Zanellato/Bortotto, a multidisciplinary design practice based in Treviso, Italy.
STUDIES
We both studied Industrial Design at IUAV University in Venice and after that, we moved to Switzerland, where we graduated from the product design master at ECAL.
WORKING PROCESS
Our method is characterized by a long-standing and costant research into the relationship between places and the passing of time, a connection analyzed through the reinterpretation of untraditional artisanal techniques.
MATERIAL
Brayda cabinet is handcrafted in wood, entirely covered with an Abet laminate inlay. The inside of the cabinet is covered with a dark laminate characterized by a small and shiny texture. The inlay on the outside is a celebration of Abet colors and materials range, mixing and combining mat and shiny finish, metal laminate, and pattern ones.
INSPIRATION
Brayda evokes the gentles hills of the Piedmontese lands where Abet Laminati was born, telling the story of this region and of its colors. The rows of vine that cover these hills become inspirations for the inlay of Brayda piece.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING LATELY
We just presented several projects at the latest Fuorisalone in Milan last September, including the art direction for Delsavio 1910, a sofa for Pierre Frey and new projects for De Castelli. We are now working with De Castelli on reinventing a very special technique from the past and we hope to see the results of this long research at the next Salone.
WHERE TO SHOP
Brayda is a unique piece especially designed for the exhibition Supersuperfici – Memphis Reloaded, organized by Abet Laminati on the 60th anniversary of Memphis Group. For any enquiry is possible to write to [email protected].
Photography courtesy of Studio Zanellato/Bortotto
https://www.zanellatobortotto.com/
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