Journey through Italy

Before the borders closed and we lost the ability to travel for a few months, we set out on an exploratory trip to Northern Italy. The wonderful opportunity to discover local production and visit several factories thrilled us so much that we decided to share our experience in this blog post.

But then a virus spread worldwide, and we were left uncertain about what would come next. A few months passed, and we are returning (almost) to normality, and here is our report. Invited by DC616, we visited the radiator factory, Tubes Radiatori, and the fantastic showroom of Agape, showcasing bathroom fixtures. Join us now on our journey to Agape and Tubes. Let's also delve into the topics of quality, design, and material finishes found only with the best brands. Today's blog theme is the quality from Italy. We'll also discuss sanitary ware, bathrooms, and everything related. Our factory trip was not only limited to the showrooms of these two amazing companies; we also explored the actual production sites.

To the Last Detail

Italians generally design the showrooms of their designer brands in an exceptionally unique manner, and we have a lot to learn from them. Not only in terms of the concept but also in execution, the materials used... The Italian brands, which we often prefer, produces sanitary ware, taps, bathroom furniture... And they have some of the most beautiful products we know of. Apart from the showrooms and lecture rooms, we visited the company's technical facilities: entire collections and individual rooms with fully furnished interiors, down to the tiniest details. The stunning compositions, their sense for accessories, and the overall ambiance of the interior are simply astounding.

What Italian Design Is All About

Is it even possible to define "Italian design"? Absolutely, for the craftsmanship of the Agape brand is a testament to the exquisite designs and products that Italians are capable of creating. In regular operations, as we know from our own interior projects, working with them can sometimes be very challenging: they rarely deliver on time, often with delays... But I dare say that Italian design is the pinnacle of global design.

Another one of our factory trips led us to a family-owned business. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to film or take pictures, but the experience was still deeply enriching. They develop their own manufacturing technologies and machines, exemplifying precision and speed. We witnessed the manufacturing of a radiator, right from its inception. It's crucial to note the role of materials in the operation and efficiency of a radiator. They can be made either from steel or aluminum. The aluminum radiators are surprisingly efficient in conserving water, making them highly effective for water heating systems. For context: while a steel radiator might use around 18 liters of water for heating, its aluminum counterpart can achieve the same with just two liters!

It's all about construction, water circulation, and the overall technical solution. This is why we love these factory trips: they offer an insight into the manufacturer's behind-the-scenes processes. It lets us understand the rationale behind a product and its technical solutions. There's also a reason behind the price tag of a product: a high price is not just about the aesthetics of a given product but often also its sophisticated technological solutions.

The Italian Family Business

What we particularly adore about the Italian design scene is that many of these companies are family enterprises, where multiple generations often work together - the father, the son, and even the founding grandfather. We cannot overlook the essence of local manufacturing either. Italians have a penchant for producing individual elements right at home rather than importing them from halfway across the world by ship or plane (an approach that's increasingly important given the current global situation). This Italian local manufacturing spirit stands in stark contrast to the anonymous factories tucked away in parts of Asia. In line with this sentiment, a video from Tubes deeply moved us, capturing this familial ambiance.

Undoubtedly, something similar exists in the Czech Republic, particularly in the lighting sector. We take pride in seeing our domestic production represented at global fairs, rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of the industry.

Trade Fairs & Factory Tours

This year, the Milan Fair, which we intended to dedicate a separate podcast and blog post to, did not take place. Yet, from our perspective as interior architects, Salone del Mobile remains the only event of its kind that is truly worth attending. We have visited other global fairs, but have ultimately come to the conclusion that there is only one Salone, and our annual April trip to it is invaluable. We sincerely hope that our journey will materialize next year, and we'll be able to share the latest trends, impressions, and the spring ambiance of Italy with you on this blog.

by Radka - 10. 8. 2023