A noted name in Italian design, Guzzini has regularly chosen Altuglas® for several pieces in its collection for home or office use. Its trademark is functional yet sophisticated objects, simple yet elegant lines, a redefinition of the interaction between form and function.
An interview with Ms. Anna M. Grelli from Fratelli Guzzini
First of all, could you tell us a little about Guzzini? “Fratelli Guzzini was established in 1912 and produced artisanal pieces in horn. A true pioneer, Guzzini introduced acrylic to the domestic landscape in 1938. It was a revolutionary idea at that time because household objects had only been made using traditional materials up until that point. We were the first to use this innovative material in the household sphere, a distinctive choice that speaks to our interest in technology and innovation. Today, we still combine modern and traditional materials in order to design objects that are functional, esthetically pleasing and well suited to our lifestyle: easy to use, affordable yet sophisticated, reliable and of superior quality.”
What is the Guzzini “trademark” in the world of table decor? “Major names in international design have chosen to collaborate with Guzzini for its ability to design simple, colorful objects that combine functionality and elegance. With Foodesign Guzzini, we are unveiling a new design vision for the world of food, one that combines creative objects and traditional cuisine. Designers, culinary experts and noted chefs worked together to design utensils with an emphasis on esthetics. They sought to reinterpret the relationship between form and function, between culinary rituals and contemporary society.” What are Guzzini’s principal Altuglas® creations? What design advantages does the material offer? “Guzzini has used Altuglas® for more than 30 years. The first Altuglas® pieces we designed were salad utensils.
Today we create Altuglas® pieces for the home, the office and the dinner table, each time seeking transparency. It’s our preferred material for certain object elements, including handles, buttons, lids and bodies. The major advantage of Altuglas® is its excellent transparency, even when a large thickness of the material is used. This transparency enables us to highlight an object’s silhouette and enhance its sheen, thanks to the luminosity of Altuglas®.” Any advice for designers who want to use Altuglas®? “We recommend that they take advantage of the “magnifying” effect that Altuglas® offers when a large thickness of the material is used. It strengthens the interplay between light and transparency.” |