On 20th March, against the splendid backdrop of Palazzo Aldobrandeschi in Grosseto, a meeting was held dedicated to contemporary architecture, exploring material research, distinctive design visions and regional identity.
The conference, “Gruppo Arkell and the culture of design between innovation and excellence”, successfully encapsulated the most pressing issues in contemporary design within a single afternoon.
The event, moderated by Simona Finessi, founder of Platform Architecture and Design magazine, opened with a welcome address and a brief historical introduction to Gruppo Arkell.
The contribution by Antonello Miceli, Commercial Director of Porcelanosa Grupo, and Bruno Deserti, Italy Manager for Krion – Porcelanosa Grupo, turned the spotlight on “Innovative materials and technologies for architecture”. During the presentation, it emerged that surfaces are no longer merely a finishing element, but a structural component of architectural thinking, capable of responding to the challenges of sustainability and spatial versatility.
The centrepiece of the debate was the talk “Tuscan excellence in the world of design”. Following an introduction by Simona Finessi, architects Pietro Carlo Pellegrini of the eponymous studio and Simona Franci of Studio Fortebis shared their professional journeys, highlighting how a cultured sensitivity towards the local area can translate into a universal and international language. A discussion that emphasised the importance of “networking” among centres of excellence.
“Our experience is your perfect space: this is the mantra that guides every collaboration we undertake,” explain Laura Farasin, Co-founder of Gruppo Arkell, and Giuditta Casprini, CEO of the Group. “Events like this stem from our desire not merely to be suppliers, but strategic partners to the designer. We firmly believe that a quality project can only emerge from a deep dialogue between materials, expertise and architectural visions. We would also like to thank Simona Finessi for her attentive and stimulating moderation, architects Pietro Carlo Pellegrini and Simona Franci for their generosity in sharing experiences and visions, and Porcelanosa for their valuable technical and cultural contribution. Special thanks go to the entire Gruppo Arkell team and to all the professionals and guests present, whose participation gave value and meaning to this opportunity for discussion”.
Following the formal discussion, the proceedings concluded at the Gruppo Arkell showroom at Via Nepal, 14, where the evening continued in an atmosphere of informal exchange.
The event, sponsored and accredited with 3 CFP credits by the Grosseto and Siena Associations of Architects, marks a key milestone in Gruppo Arkell’s journey towards consolidating a shared, cutting-edge design culture, made possible thanks to the collective contribution of all those involved.
For further information please visit www.gruppoarkell.it.
CREDITS
Photo 1: From left: Paolo Casprini – Co-Founder of the Arkell Group; Architect Simona Franci; Giuditta Casprini – CEO of the Arkell Group; Laura Farasin – Co-Founder of the Arkell Group; Architect Pietro Carlo Pellegrini
Photo 2: Architect Simona Franci – Studio Fortebis
Photo 3: Architect Pietro Carlo Pellegrini – Studio Pietro Carlo Pellegrini
Photo 4: Simona Finessi – Founder of Platform architecture and design – and Paolo Casprini – Co-Founder of Arkell Group
Photo 5: Laura Farasin – Co-Founder of Arkell Group
