Architectural Cases

In the valley of Pantalica, Italy, a location renowned for its extensive rock-cut tombs overlooking the Anapo River, architect Leopold Banchini introduces 'Asympta.' This innovative temporary micro-architectural structure serves to redirect attention from the ancient burial sites to the unrecorded habitations of past civilizations. Set to be installed in Ortigia in 2025 and later relocated to Pantalica in 2026 for the COSMO festival, 'Asympta' delves into the prehistoric society embedded within the Syracusa–Pantalica UNESCO World Heritage area, proposing a hypothetical dwelling that draws inspiration from its surroundings rather than relying on archaeological reconstructions.

The construction of 'Asympta' utilizes materials indigenous to the region, including volcanic stone from Mount Etna, locally sourced wood treated with fire, Pietra Pece limestone, bronze, and sheep wool felt. These components are integrated as structural elements, firmly embedding the installation within eastern Sicily's rich geological and artisanal heritage. The design creates a shaded sanctuary, fostering an environment conducive to congregation, contemplation, and repose. The deliberate selection of fire-treated timber and volcanic stone emphasizes the project's engagement with fundamental natural forces—such as combustion, sedimentation, and extraction—which have profoundly shaped both the landscape and its resident cultures.

'Asympta' transcends traditional archaeological interpretation, envisioning how ancient structures might have arisen from the distinct topography, climate, and material wealth of the valley. This initiative challenges established historical narratives and archaeological authority, presenting a tangible yet imaginative hypothesis. The ephemeral nature of the installation reflects the provisional character of early domestic constructions, underscoring architecture's role as a responsive framework molded by its environment, practical needs, and shared community use. Within the vibrant context of the COSMO festival, 'Asympta' functions as both a sanctuary and a conceptual statement. It encourages visitors to engage with a hypothetical scenario where architectural forms emerge from the interplay between landscape, material resources, and collective imagination, rather than from a predetermined stylistic lineage.

This architectural endeavor represents a profound exploration into the origins of human habitation, demonstrating how design can honor the past while embracing an adaptive and speculative future. By emphasizing site-specific responses and the intrinsic connection between built forms and their natural and cultural contexts, 'Asympta' not only offers a space for reflection but also inspires a deeper understanding of our ancestral relationship with the environment.

Experience the Art of Ergonomics and Efficiency: The Wave Chair.

The Genesis of Form: Integrating Design and Material Science for the Wave Chair's Unique Geometry

The Wave dining chair, a creation of Delo Design, represents a new standard in furniture craftsmanship, primarily constructed from precisely molded laminated plywood. The development process was guided by an all-encompassing philosophy, ensuring that its aesthetic qualities, the inherent characteristics of its materials, the specifics of its manufacturing technology, its structural composition, and its overall production methodology were all harmoniously interwoven into a singular, cohesive system.

Crafting the Curvature: Overcoming Technical Limitations with Ingenious Plywood Molding

The project's conceptualization was deeply informed by an intimate understanding of both the constraints and the boundless potential offered by molded plywood. The design journey meticulously explored various aspects, including diverse pressing methodologies, the permissible bending curvatures, the precision of CNC machining, the efficacy of fastening mechanisms, and the nuances of surface treatments. The intrinsic limitation of plywood, which predominantly allows bending along a single axis, served not as an impediment but as a catalyst, steering the design towards a distinct and clear formal direction by precluding multi-planar geometries.

The Art of Proportion: Balancing Comfort, Durability, and Resourcefulness in Design

Every dimension and contour of the chair was calibrated with utmost precision, striking an exquisite balance between ergonomic comfort, robust structural integrity, and optimal material utilization. The resultant undulating, wave-like profile is not merely an aesthetic choice; it organically emerged from the confluence of human-centered ergonomic demands and the logical dictates of the manufacturing process, thereby bestowing the chair with its defining shape and its evocative name.

Structural Elegance: The Dual-Component Assembly of the Wave Chair

The chair is ingeniously composed of two principal elements: an integrated unit encompassing the seat and legs, and a distinct, independently crafted backrest. The backrest, a feat of engineering and design, is produced as a singular piece of molded laminated plywood, characterized by its intricate geometry, meticulously tailored to this specific design. The assembly process is intentionally streamlined for simplicity. The backrest is deftly affixed to the base from above, secured by a custom-engineered plastic connector. This connector not only guarantees precise alignment but also contributes significantly to the chair's long-term resilience. The final securing is accomplished with bolts, discreetly positioned within the internal framework, ensuring a clean and uninterrupted exterior.

From Raw Material to Refined Finish: The Manufacturing Journey of the Wave Chair

The manufacturing journey involves hot pressing the laminated layers within custom-designed molds, followed by precise trimming to achieve the final shape using advanced CNC machining. Birch plywood forms the internal core, chosen for its superior dimensional stability and remarkable ability to endure the stresses associated with pressing complex forms, particularly where natural veneers proved inadequate. The exterior surfaces are graced with an engineered wood veneer, sourced from Alpi, a material selected for its sophisticated finish and durability.

Optimized for Global Reach: Logistical Innovation and Diverse Finishes

A cornerstone of the chair's design philosophy is its commitment to logistical efficiency. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, two disassembled chairs are ingeniously packaged into a single box measuring 50 × 50 × 50 cm. This compact configuration allows for an impressive density, with up to 16 chairs fitting within a single cubic meter, thereby substantially reducing transportation volume and minimizing storage overheads. The Wave chair is available in a sophisticated palette of four finishes: classic oak, rich cherry, luxurious rosewood, and deep dark rosewood. Its global debut at prestigious international exhibitions in Dubai and Milan garnered significant professional acclaim, affirming its status as a distinguished piece of contemporary design.