Concept
The Design di Filiera exhibition is the result of theoretical and methodological developments by ADI – Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (Association for Industrial Design) on the role of design within production chains. These developments are based on a decade of activities aimed at spreading knowledge on the subject, with the intent to narrate an ecosystem typically Italian and far removed from the concept of a “supply chain,” as the literal translation would suggest. This ecosystem represents a significant portion of the economic, cultural, and social capital of our country.
The concept delves into this phenomenon in relation to ceramic production, narrating the development of districts into chains, and later into networks and clouds, thanks to investments in Creative Industries, where design plays a key role. The exhibition also celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the ADI Ceramics & Bathroom Design Award, an annual prize presented at the Cersaie trade fair, a true hub of the supply chain that showcases new products and innovations in the ceramic coverings sector.
The exhibition will take place from October 7 to 27 at the ADI Design Museum, which promotes design culture both nationally and internationally by displaying the permanent collection of the Compasso d’Oro award – the historical memory of Italian design from 1954 to today – and producing thematic exhibitions focused on contemporary design. The exhibition will trace the evolution of the concept of the supply chain, particularly in ceramics, highlighting its history, key players, and ADI’s activities in the sector through a video installation. Award-winning products and images of them will be displayed to recreate, in part, the complex and varied, sometimes even cluttered, exhibit formula typical of the production chain, aimed at showcasing the material quality and design of elements and objects.
The exhibition will feature objects designed by notable designers such as Claudio Papa, Davide Vercelli, Odo Fioravanti, Meneghello Paolelli Associati, Elena Salmistraro, Jasper Morrison, Nilo Gioacchini, Daniele Martelli (2024 Compasso d’Oro winner with the Attitude slabs). Products from major brands and small to medium-sized enterprises will be on display, including Cooperativa Ceramica Imola, Santagostino, Gambini, Ceramica Bardelli, Marca Corona, Flaminia, Ideagroup, Ceramica Dolomite, Arblu, Hom, and Cordivari.
A dedicated area will feature the continuous screening of the documentary Ceramics of Italy. A Journey into Sustainability, directed by Esmeralda Calabria – winner of three David di Donatello awards for editing and a Nastro d’Argento for directing – supported by Confindustria Ceramica, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Italian Trade Agency. The documentary focuses on the challenges of sustainability, technological innovation, and design faced by the ceramics industry in recent decades.
Organized by ADI – Associazione per il Disegno Industriale
In collaboration with Confindustria Ceramica and Cersaie
Curated by Carlo Branzaglia (concept, content), Wladimiro Bendandi (design, layout)
Visual & exhibit design: D+ studio
Technical sponsors: Tipografia Altedo, Cartesio Fullcard
