The project conceived for the Agorà Design Festival originates from a reflection on what sustainability truly means today. Rather than introducing yet another object into an already saturated market, the project explores a different perspective: the enhancement and transformation of what already exists.
This vision led to the design of a handle, an accessory capable of giving new life to existing furniture. In a context where the furniture and design industry already offers an abundance of products, often manufactured with increasing attention to material lifecycles, the opportunity lies in extending the value of objects that have been forgotten or overlooked. A handle can completely transform the character of a piece of furniture, redefining its aesthetic identity through a simple gesture. It becomes a small but meaningful design element, accessible to a broad audience seeking to introduce a tailored, distinctive touch to otherwise anonymous furnishings.
Developed in collaboration with skilled local artisans, the project combines recycled olive wood with ceramic, creating an object whose sustainability is embedded not only in its materials but also in its production processes and intended use. Every component has been carefully studied to ensure both technical precision and visual coherence. The fixing systems are discreetly concealed within the ceramic elements through precisely calculated mounting points, while in the knobs they are integrated directly into the wooden body, preserving the purity of the design.
The formal language of the collection draws inspiration from the work of Carlo Scarpa, whose approach to restoration and dialogue between past and present remains a significant reference. Influenced by the Oriental and Byzantine culture of Venice, Scarpa developed a unique architectural language capable of merging rational rigor with ornamental richness. Following a similar path, the handles were conceived as objects that appear essential and restrained, yet reveal a deeper complexity through their proportions, details, and material contrasts.
This balance between innovation and tradition is reflected in the manufacturing process itself. The olive wood components are shaped using CNC technology, ensuring precision, consistency, and minimal material waste, while the ceramic elements are handcrafted and intentionally left in their raw state, celebrating their tactile quality and authentic character. The result is a collection that combines contemporary production methods with artisanal knowledge, transforming a functional detail into a meaningful act of reuse and renewal.
Credits:
Event Agorà Design festival w/ Sprech / ADI / Fondazione Achille Castiglioni
Production Level Project & Vincenzo Del Monaco
Photography Ilenia Tesoro
Media Partner: Interni / Outdoor / The Plan / Professione Architetto / Domus / Fuorisalone
