In recent years, the world of decoration has seen an explosion of creativity in the use of ceramics. Innovative materials sit alongside traditional techniques, opening up new expressive and functional possibilities. The real revolution lies in the ability of this material to speak a unique language, made up of textures, colors and decorations that evoke the memory of a bygone era while shaping exclusive combinations capable of defining the identity of space.

And it is precisely this expressive universe that Andrea Steidl and Raquel Pacchini of /àr o/ studio will explore, at IFDM's Press Café at Cersaie 2024. “Ceramics for us represents a bridge between past and present. An ancient material, steeped in history and tradition, which at the same time lends itself to be interpreted in a contemporary way thanks to the infinite possibilities of processing and finishing,” says Raquel Pacchini.

Complexity and layering are two key words to narrate the design approach of /àr o/ studio, which since its founding in 2016 has stood out for its ability to combine refined aesthetic research with a deep knowledge of materials. A sensitivity, that for the material, honed through years of experience in Patricia Urquiola's creative team and that finds in ceramics a fertile ground for experimentation.

Not just a covering, then, but an expressive 'medium' capable of shaping space and giving it a well-defined identity. The legacy of the great masters of Italian architecture, such as Gio Ponti, is a constant point of reference for /àr o/ studio: “Ponti talked about the ‘illusiveness’ of ceramics, its ability to play with light and colors to create surprising effects,” explains Andrea Steidl. “Here, we try to bring this idea back into our designs, exploiting the textures, reflections and transparencies of ceramics to create plays of light and shadow, vibrant and dynamic surfaces.”

From the micro to the macro scale, every project by /àr o/ carries the hallmark of this passion for ceramics. An ancient yet incredibly relevant material, capable of shaping itself to the needs of contemporary design without ever giving up its intrinsic beauty.

IFDM Press Café Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 2:30 p.m. Cersaie, Bologna