Interview with Carlo Urbinati (CEO Foscarini) on 1 October 2009 in the Neue Werkstätten, Munich
Click here to see pictures from the event "Tropico" in Munich.
In some cities you were already „on tour“ with Tropico. Now Foscarini is presenting the installation in the Neue Werkstätten in Munich.
Urbinati:
The event of Tropico started at the Luminale 2008 in Frankfurt, followed by Cologne and Vienna and now we are bringing the installation to Munich.
Also on the Biennale in Venice we are presenting the installation Tropico. Foscarini is sponsor of the Biennale in Venice this year and supports the 53. Esposizione Internationale d'Arte.
From 01.-31.10.09 we are exhibiting Tropico in the „Neue Werkstätten“ in Munich, because we are also visiting bigger cities.
What is the main idea behind Tropico?
Urbinati:
The main idea is based on these rhomb single elements. Different rings define the size of the four variations of Tropico. Rings and rhomb elements are delivered in single parts and the customer can decide form and size.
Most luminaires are only available in a certain fixed form or size, they are not flexible to create. Tropico is different, you can form it individually. That is fascinating and makes it so different from other luminaires.
These rhomb elements of Tropico consists of a thermoplastic material which communicate a special material and light-feeling and are available in a crystalline or opaque appearance. Why did you choose this material?
Urbinati:
Aestetically the thermoplastic resin transmits an extraordinary material sensation and it's very flexible in the docking part. So we can say that this single element is not only a formal, aesthetic component, but serves a structural function.
How do you assess the market for interior lightings in 2010?
Urbinati:
It will continue to support the models that are able to define the referential interior design style, with their strong personality.
In which distribution channels do you market your products?
Urbinati:
Mainly through lighting specialists, than furniture dealers, some concepts store and lately the web stores are on the rise.
How long does it take to create/design a luminaire and to place it on the market? How is the process?
Urbinati:
The process can last since 1 year to a couple of years, expecially when the material used is very innovative and so the research and experimentation on it is particularly engaging.
The process is made up of various steps: after having evaluated and chosen the designers' proposals there are the prototyping and pheasibility phases. Then a more technical stage begins, with the tests on materials and the electrical functioning. The last step before "going in production" is the industrialization process, with the production of the moulds and the production tests.
Under the slogan „Successful Living“ Foscarini has created a Home Collection together with the lifestyle brand Diesel. What was the reason for the cooperation?
Urbinati:
Our purpose was to target a new and wider group of people, who normally don’t get in touch with light and luminaires. We do not want to putt he brand Foscarini into the foreground.
Under the brand Armani for example there exists a complete design collection. This is not the purpose of the cooperation between Foscarini and Diesel. Foscarini is delivering the technical know-how in lighting, but the design and the brand are from Diesel.
How is your position about the new europe-wide ban for light bulbs and how do you assess the development in LED-technology for the future?
Urbinati:
The new EU-wide ban for light bulbs is a little bit strange. If you look at the production of fluorescent lamps or energy saving lamps the energy balance is not much better than that of light bulbs. Because energy saving lamps are special waste, the recycling is more problematic than the recycling of light bulbs.
LEDs could be a very interesting alternative for the future, but there is a necessity of development to get the same warm light as the light bulb. At the moment the LED-light is still a little bit cold and is more suitable to light a limited spot.
What fascinates you about light and lighting design?
Urbinati:
Light transports information and emotion. Light is the medium, where we get information – that is in fact the fascinating thing. With the wrong kind of light you can destroy a beautiful room. The right kind of light can accent objects and rooms in a positive way.
Mr Urbinati, thank you very much for the interview.