Archive of the Category 'Ceramics'

To mark the Blog Action Day 2009, which is focussing on the theme of climate change and Global Warming, it only seems right for us to say a few words on the environmental issues associated with the ceramic production.

In recent years, the parent company of DesignTaleStudio, Refin Ceramiche, has focused on environmental issues. From the Eco-Leader and Stone-Leader collections, whose production process complies with the stringent LEED rating system, to important initiatives with architects, such as “The Sustainable Project”. A stance perfectly summarised in our mini-website We Care, on-line since last spring.

It is also important to underline that DesignTaleStudio, with its craftsmanship vocation, is intrinsically linked to the environmental issues , as can be seen, for instance, in the reduction of emissions and the impact of transport. We believe the only answer in these difficult times , is creativity: keeping only the good part of the industrial model, that is to say, that associated with design and quality, trying, at the same time, to find original solutions, a new “canvas” where environmental concern is indeed a burden but is, and above all, a creative push.

Suffice to say just think of the different forms of recycled art, or in the field of ceramics, the artist Sarah Cihat and her “Rehabilitated Dishware Collection” of second-hand plates, which she re-paints and re-fires. The theme of recycling, a fundamental issue if we are to have an impact on climate change, becomes crucial in the aesthetics which “remixes” the old to create the new.

In what is the culmination of an intense period of collaboration between Refin and Michele De Lucchi, the ceramics designed by the famous architect for DesignTaleStudio will finally be produced.

This large size ceramic slab, already used for some of DesignTaleStudio design sets (From earth to the Earth, 100% Design Rotterdam, Design On Stage), will be officially produced and destined to cover “ethno-minimal style” bathrooms, where the contrast between lines and glossy reflections creates an illusionary, dynamic surface. While we wait for the publication of this ceramic slab in our official catalogue, you can have a sneak preview in the section Prototipi d’Autore.

Ceramics by Michele De Lucchi… the first DTS autumn mystery!

During the recent event, “From earth to the Earth”, an interesting meeting called “Sustainable project” took place, a meeting that was focused on the themes of bio-building, sustainable design and made in Italy products. We will dedicate some posts to reviewing some of the most crucial moments of this meeting: in this first excerpt, Davide Carra, head of and Quality systems at Gruppo Concorde (which Refin, DesignTaleStudio’s parent company, is part of) talks about the problems that a ceramic tile company could face when adopting this kind of “sustainable” approach.

We have published some photos of our set design for “From earth to the Earth” - held during the Fuorisalone trade-fair at the Triennale in Milan on Flickr. Here are just a couple of the photos: an exterior shot and a detailed shot of the area dedicated to DesignTaleStudio ceramics, exclusively created by Michele De Lucchi with one of his renowned “imaginary architectures”, which was also made from ceramic.

The new Tagli d’Autore DesignTaleStudio Gold and Platinum are now available: a touch of prestige added to an already existing collection of 30×120 ceramic inserts, conceived as a design element for walls. These two new collections use the same precious material which have already been used in the Pareti d’Autore collection, and together with it, they represent our DTS point of view on luxury aesthetics in design, a theme we have gone into in great depth many times. And you, what are your thoughts?

You may have noticed that for some time now on our catalogues, packaging and on all promotional material DTS use, the stamp “100% Made in Italy” appears.  This is not simply yet another “style gimmick” from any common-or-garden Italian company: more rather, it is a lifestyle statement.  We will explain why.

Refin Ceramiche, the parent company of DesignTaleStudio, was one of the first companies to sign up to the Ethical Code of Confindustria Ceramica, which commits a company to declare clearly and unequivocally the geographical origin of its products.  In an industry that is becoming increasingly characterised by the phrase “Designed in Italy” (but, be careful “Made” in another part of the world, such as China, for example), the fact that a company of the calibre of Refin should keep production within the confines of Italy clearly represents a plus, and a guarantee of quality as well as social responsibility towards the end user.

But Refin and DesignTaleStudio go beyond the simplified geographical limitation.  Quoting from the certificates which always guarantee the authenticity of the “100% Made in Italy” symbol, there is an ethical standard which is reflected throughout production:

1. guaranteed and certified quality of the products and working practices;
2. innovation in both products and processes designed to meet the increasing demands of the end user;
3. social responsibility  towards staff and all stakeholders Refin have contact with;
4.  respecting the environment by managing the company in a way geared towards the constant goal of sustainable development”.

Click here for more information Research and Ecology.

Last summer, during the first production of R+Evolution ceramic collection, we filmed some of the manufacturing processes in our laboratory. We condensed the entire production process into a short, one and a half minute video: Karim’s designs, colours, glazes and firing.

It is almost time and tomorrow the shutters come up at Cersaie 2008, the most important ceramic trade-fair in the world. The spacious DesignTaleStudio and Refin stand catches the eye in hall 36, an open and strikingly colourful stand displaying the new collections of the R+Evolution series by Karim Rashid (who, not by chance, is also the designer of the stand).

Tomorrow, we will publish some images of the stand. As a teaser, enjoy the slideshow showing the countless possible combinations of decors and cladding available in R+Evolution.

As already indicated in the press release on Refin’s website, the forthcoming trade-fairs, 100% Design London and Cersaie will see the launch of a new collection designed by Karim Rashid: R+Evolution. A ceramic series with the unmistakable “Karim-look”, extra-colourful and extra-modern wall cladding for extra-cool interiors.

Let’s start previewing the collection with this minimal-chic bathroom, divided into two inter-connected areas. All ceramics are in 30×90 cm size.

Krizia was the guest on the last day of Trascreativity at the Triennale in Milan. The fashion designer told us about the different aspects influencing her style, relating some anecdotes about her career and not holding anything back when she was asked to express her idea on hot design topics.

In this video, Krizia comments on her ceramic prototype created for DesignTaleStudio: a composition of six 60×120 cm ceramic slabs depicting a huge panther and a leopard.