Design Stories
Nagomi and the vision of Hadi Teherani
Poetry. Harmony. Order.
Celebrate the uniqueness and the harmony that exist within everything:
like the seemingly imperfect tiles of a mosaic that come together to build pure beauty. This is the key to Nagomi, the new collection by Mirage in collaboration with the architect and designer Hadi Teherani.
Nagomi is a multi-faceted project that comprises a multitude of meanings, sensations and stories, all derived from the visionary mind behind the project: Hadi Teherani.
The German architect and designer has always stood out as a pioneer of eco-compatible architecture, with projects including Germany’s first “green” railway station and the “Crane Houses” in Cologne. His holistic vision allows him to combine architecture, interior design and product design, blending them smoothly with one another, and this collection transcends the usual aesthetic standards, bringing on board a broader philosophy of the harmony of natural elements.
The name “Nagomi” derives from the Japanese philosophy, and is a reference to concepts of balance and serenity; these principles are reflected in the design and production process of the collection, and its relationship with space.
However, the value of Nagomi extends well beyond the idea that inspired the collection. To return to the mosaic concept, the collection is composed of tesserae that offer a sensory experience, thanks to textures inspired by Zen culture, an invitation to live life in harmony with reality, and to rediscover the beauty of simplicity. For this reason, Nagomi brings on board the five primary elements of nature, reinterpreting them in five mosaics: Sami, Riku, Miyu, Ami and Kazuky, which symbolise water, wood, fire, metal and earth respectively.
Each of the five shapes has its own distinctive identity, and when combined with the others, offers an array of composition options that strike a perfect balance with the space around them. On the one hand, the simple shapes recall the linear patterns of European architecture, and on the other, the organic elements, further highlighting how craftsmanship expertise can be blended with the precision of today’s industrial techniques to shape a new artistic language.
The name “Nagomi” derives from the Japanese philosophy, and is a reference to concepts of balance and serenity; these principles are reflected in the design and production process of the collection, and its relationship with space.
However, the value of Nagomi extends well beyond the idea that inspired the collection. To return to the mosaic concept, the collection is composed of tesserae that offer a sensory experience, thanks to textures inspired by Zen culture, an invitation to live life in harmony with reality, and to rediscover the beauty of simplicity. For this reason, Nagomi brings on board the five primary elements of nature, reinterpreting them in five mosaics: Sami, Riku, Miyu, Ami and Kazuky, which symbolise water, wood, fire, metal and earth respectively.
Each of the five shapes has its own distinctive identity, and when combined with the others, offers an array of composition options that strike a perfect balance with the space around them. On the one hand, the simple shapes recall the linear patterns of European architecture, and on the other, the organic elements, further highlighting how craftsmanship expertise can be blended with the precision of today’s industrial techniques to shape a new artistic language.
Another aspect that brings added value to the collection is the production process and the material selected.
Composed of a ceramic body enriched with recycled powdered glass obtained from disused TV screens and PC monitors. In addition, the Nagomi tesserae are created using the casting technique, which combines an industrial procedure with human intervention.
This combination of factors makes each mosaic tessera unique in terms of light reflection and ton-sur-ton shading, so that no two are exactly alike, and it is precisely in these little surface imperfections that their beauty lies. The lesson imparted by Nagomi is that irregularity is part of life, and what makes it so precious.
This combination of factors makes each mosaic tessera unique in terms of light reflection and ton-sur-ton shading, so that no two are exactly alike, and it is precisely in these little surface imperfections that their beauty lies. The lesson imparted by Nagomi is that irregularity is part of life, and what makes it so precious.
As Tehrani explains, “no two panels will ever be the same, because random irregularities exist everywhere, and this is what makes Nagomi so fascinating. When observed from a distance, this new product will have the appearance of a pixel, but as the observer moves closer, small pixelated shapes will become visible, the small details of which form the bigger picture”.
This collection is a dialogue between Europe and Asia, between Man and Nature, between detail and the bigger picture, between tradition and innovation, constructing an awareness that, as Teherani also points out, “we all share the same future, and we must ensure that the resources we have already used can be used again, so that we do not need to produce new resources”.
Original and distinctive though it is, Nagomi is a versatile collection, designed to embellish walls and furnishing elements, adapting perfectly to both public and private settings. Its connection with the concept of nature is also evident in the application options, and Nagomi is suitable for use in humid environments or areas in contact with water, such as swimming pools and spas.
Original and distinctive though it is, Nagomi is a versatile collection, designed to embellish walls and furnishing elements, adapting perfectly to both public and private settings. Its connection with the concept of nature is also evident in the application options, and Nagomi is suitable for use in humid environments or areas in contact with water, such as swimming pools and spas.
Here at Mirage, we’re aware of the courage required to combine innovation with high-end design, without compromising on beauty.
This is possible only with a collaborative effort that brings together architects, designers and the dedication and expertise cultivated in over 50 years of experience.
Nagomi represents our aspiration to offer design solutions that embody the versatility and character of the craftsmanship production techniques typical of Italian ceramics. This is why we have chosen to bring our collaborations with top architects and designers in Atelier Mirage, a think tank that is already home to Glocal, our collaboration with one of the most iconic designers of Italian style worldwide, Giulio Cappellini.
Nagomi was successfully inaugurated during Milano Design Week 2024, together with Glocal, in the Superstudio. Thanks to these valuable collaborations, the Atelier Mirage project is ready to tell new stories, derived from a love of innovative design that engages with the living spaces and the society of the future.
Nagomi represents our aspiration to offer design solutions that embody the versatility and character of the craftsmanship production techniques typical of Italian ceramics. This is why we have chosen to bring our collaborations with top architects and designers in Atelier Mirage, a think tank that is already home to Glocal, our collaboration with one of the most iconic designers of Italian style worldwide, Giulio Cappellini.
Nagomi was successfully inaugurated during Milano Design Week 2024, together with Glocal, in the Superstudio. Thanks to these valuable collaborations, the Atelier Mirage project is ready to tell new stories, derived from a love of innovative design that engages with the living spaces and the society of the future.