Ariu Cathedra by Research and Development Design Italia Srl is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum in Designatio Supellectilis Competition Category.
ArgentumSupellex· 2024
Ariu Cathedra
by Research and Development Design Italia Srl
Client: Rdd Italia
Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum Winner in Supellex Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #155624The Design
About Ariu Cathedra
Ariu est cathedra quae consilium oecologicum cum adaptabilitate coniungit, supellectilem sustentabilem per structuram facile dissociabilem innovans, diminutionem quisquiliarum et recyclabilitatem promovens. Eius nucleus, scabellum, sphaeras vinculis tensoriis conectit, formam et functionem miscens. Hoc consilium modulare usum ut pilae exercitationis permittit, necessitatem supellectilis versatilis satisfaciens. Ariu se accommodat necessitatibus ornatus interioris moderni, solutiones spatii efficientes et multifunctionales offerens, consumptionem sustentabilem fovenens. Innovatio potest effectum environmentalem minuere vitamque sustentabilem redefinire!
The Recognition
About the Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum
Ariu Cathedra victor est Praemii A' Design Award Argenteum, honoris eximie amplissimi formis summi generis, pulchris et conspicuis dati. Victores Argenti opera valde splendida et creandi ingenio praedita sunt, quae praestantem peritiam, talentum et acumen auctorum suorum ostendunt. Exspectatur Ariu Cathedra opus mirabile, exemplare, valde professionale et penitus novum fore. Haec forma Argento victa inventum notabile et admiratum est, quod ad fines artis, scientiae, formandi rationis et technologiae promovendos confert. Ariu Cathedra creatio est, quam multi invident, quae cupiditates excitat, sensus bonos affert et admirationem miraculumque movet.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Ariu embodies the principles of ecodesign and adaptability. Its disassemblable structure simplifies disposal, with the central ottoman serving as the primary structural component that connects air chamber elements through tensioning bands. Going beyond its role as a simple armchair, Ariu enables modules to function independently as exercise balls or individual poufs. Weighing a mere 12kg strategically minimizes fuel impact during transport, contributing significantly to the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 1300 x Height 750 x Depth 1100 mm
Modules: x1 Pouf, x4 Big spheres, x1 Medium sphere, x3 Small speheres. The covering is sourced from controlled yarns, where the use of harmful chemicals during the production phase is minimal or eliminated, and it can be replaced at any time thanks to a specific system of straps and air chambers. - Tags
- Ecodesign, Innovation, Versatility, Fitness, Confort
- Production Technology
- An internal tensioning system, starting from the central ottoman (the sole structure of the furniture), creates tension throughout the product. This results in controlled chaos, where air chambers are organized in such a way as to provide a well-defined range of movement, also enhancing the ergonomic characteristics of the furniture.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge presented a dual objective: first, to devise a functional and user-friendly system for the easy removal and precise repositioning of the spheres in Ariu, and second, to optimize the material realization process for the cover.
Our primary focus was on engineering a system that simplifies both the extraction and placement of the spheres. Simultaneously, significant attention was dedicated to perfecting the material realization of the cover. This involved exploring innovative construction methods and materials that not only align with the design's aesthetic but also enhance its overall functionality. - Research
- The inspiration behind Ariu's design is deeply rooted in the intricate structure of water atoms, specifically their spherical shapes. The research process involved an in-depth exploration of the scientific and symbolic aspects of water atoms. Understanding the molecular structure and significance of water in sustaining life formed the basis for Ariu's conceptual foundation. The cohesion among the spherical elements in Ariu goes beyond mere symbolism. It is grounded in a thoughtful rationalization that strategically brings together comfort, nature, and versatility. This integration aligns closely with the principles of ecodesign, emphasizing sustainability and harmony with the environment.By delving into both the scientific and regional aspects, Ariu seeks to offer a holistic solution that embodies both symbolism and functionality in a design that is ecologically mindful and contextually relevant.
- Inspiration
- Ariu draws inspiration from the spherical shapes of the atoms that make up water, as it encapsulates the intrinsic relationship between humans and natural resources, with a particular focus on the Puglia region which has been facing deep issues with water resources in recent decades.The cohesion among the spherical elements of Ariu is not merely symbolic, but it rationalizes the convergence of comfort, nature, and versatility in line with the principles of ecodesign.
- Project Duration
- The project started in 2021 and it was exhibited as prototype in Dubai Expo in 2021, in Salone del Mobile in 2022 and in Autentico Design in Puglia in New York in 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Ariu can be used as a armchair, but even for fitness purposes, since the structure is a composition done from spheres. It can be disassembled.
- Patents
- Copyright belong to RDD ITALIA
- Team Members
- CEO: "Vito D'Amato"
Designer: "Michelangelo Bove"
Project manager: "Corrado Massimo"
Innovation manager: "Cesaria Digregorio" - Image Credits
- Images and Video : Michelangelo Bove / Designer
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