Patricia Urquiola’s ‘micro architectures’ for clay powerhouse Bitossi
Storytelling, rigour and kindness are the words used by Spanish born,
Milan-based designer and architect Patricia Urquiola when asked to
describe the historic Bitossi Ceramiche, one of Italy’s oldest ceramics
producers that first opened their workshop in 1921. This year the
internationally recognised ceramic maker released their first pieces
designed in collaboration wth Urquiola, a collection of 'micro
architectures' inspired by construction details.
'The Merlate series represents an innovative approach to the art of ceramics, a trend that explores the interaction between architecture and design.’
Bitossi
Launched during Milan Design Week, Bitossi describes Merlate as ‘a series of micro-architectures’, the beautifully irregular and textured shapes drawing visual reference from architecture and construction details. A designer known for work that links craftsmanship with industrial research, Urquiola’s approach is a true expression of the traditions of forming clay overlaid by the complexity found in scaled up architectural structures. Alternating between full and hollow spaces and extruded geometric forms, each vase is also a skilful play of colour-balancing which Urquiola’s designs consistently excel in. Edges contrast with bases to accentuate the shape and identity of each piece: yellow and mint green, purple and butter, orange and blue, indigo and terracotta, all highlighting perspective and an artful rhythm.
As Bitossi remarked during the collection’s launch, ’The Merlate series represents an innovative approach to the art of ceramics, a trend that explores the interaction between architecture and design.’
The Bitossi collection is available exclusively in South East Asia from Space – Australia, and Space – Singapore and Malaysia.