Shaping Beauty

In a tower pavilion, the renowned designers Steve Blatz and Antonio Pio Saracino have reproduced, as a metaphor of the theme of the event "Energy for Creativity", the figure of a black hole that absorbs energy giving form to the space around it. The design challenge of the installation lies in the use of three different materials – wood, steel and glass – each of which is assigned a specific and at the same time synergic function, spotlighting the productive abilities of the three sponsors - Marzorati Ronchetti, Vetreria Bazzanese and Zordan - companies of reference in the working of those materials.

The pavilion rests on a base with an observation point at the center composed of a wooden seat. Four steel pillars support the lateral glazings, etched to alter their transparency; the horizontal tables above the seat are in black stained wood, with lateral edges lined with stainless steel, polished to a mirror finish to reflect the surrounding space. The pavilion is a place to linger and relax, to recharge with positive energy thanks to the evocative soft forms of the seat and the space above it, based on the overlapping of perforated sheets. The composition conveys the image of a tension of attraction, symbolized by the zenithal light that penetrates through the empty upper space. 

img.0The Black Hole

img.1Front side

The structure

The pavilion (6 x 6 metre base, height 5.5 metres) rests on a wooden base that can be accessed on two opposing sides by means of ramps that enable entry. It is composed of a layer in glass and an upper structure formed by 12 circular disks spaced at varying heights and supported by four steel pillars.

At the base of the structure, above the wooden plinth, lies the “Oculus”, a circular element from which, by sitting down, the visitor’s gaze can be directed to the sky through the 12 irregular openings inside the disks. The latter are clad in wood and edged, both outside and inside, in super-mirror stainless steel. The two inaccessible sides of the base are bordered by curved, sand-blasted glass that houses the lighting fixtures. 

Glass

The curved glass slabs follow part of the circular development of the structure and are housed inside two floor and ceiling channels. The architectural design envisages a transparent surface effect alternating with sanding treatment of different degrees (from 10% to 100%) on the horizontal strip at irregular intervals. Each area of glass is formed of 6+6 1.52 curved, laminated glass for a total length of around 8 metres.

Since the curvature is an apparently simple process that is not without difficulties, and this may have to be repeated to obtain pleasing results: this is the real complexity in constructing curved glass that increases its added value. Creating pieces ad hoc is not only a mission but also a new and stimulating challenge that always requires special attention and artisan expertise of the highest order.

Wood

For the base, thermally-treated solid ash was used, which underwent treatment to make it water repellent, then oiled in matt black. Ash is the best performing European wood in terms of resistance to atmospheric agents and ease of working.

The upper disks are created in 20 mm panels with three layers of fir, a light and compact material that does not warp, and in large sizes to reduce the number of joints. Overall, 3.7 cubic metres of wood were used.

img.2Black Hole - interior

img.3A look up inside Black Hole

Marzorati Ronchetti

Since 1922, Marzorati Ronchetti has been a world-renowned custom fabricator of projects in metal. Protagonist in the design sector on a global level thanks to a high level of craftsmanship, the company has worked with many of the best-known architects, and for the most prominent luxury brands. It has worked in a vast array of disciplines, from small-sized design objects to large scale architectural projects, where each piece is a unique item.

Vetreria Bazzanese

Vetreria Bazzanese is synonymous with passion and competence in the field of glass fabrication. Fashion boutiques, public furniture, showrooms, museum exhibitions, private residences and structural building projects all over the world proudly bear the VB logo. Personalised architectural solutions and avant-garde concepts make the company a solid reference point.

Zordan

A virtuous enterprise, that made passionate commitment to quality, profound expertise and production efficiency as the assets of its success, Zordan creates unique items for distinctive wood interiors and is completely focussed on growing internationally with environments inspired by beauty. The company operates in the interior design market with two brands: Zordan Mono-Brand Shopfitting and Zordan Tailor-Made Interiors.