Plumage: A Journey Between Past and Present Signed by Alfonso Femia
In the field of ceramic design, craftsmanship and innovation have always been in dialogue.
Thanks to technology, these two elements coexist and collaborate, creating visual and tactile experiences rich in meaning and with an eye toward the future. This approach is enhanced in the Plumage collection, created in collaboration with architect and designer Alfonso Femia.
Architect Femia is the founder and president of Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia and Italian Design Ambassador for ADI (Associazione Disegno Industriale). During the 41st edition of Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, we had the opportunity to hear his vision.
The Concept of the Feather as a Key to Dialogue Between the Natural and Artificial Worlds
"The relationship between nature and artifice is our connection. It is the bond we must focus on most because it concerns our interaction with the places we encounter. […] It is often taken to extremes, both ideologically and practically, or it is posed as an antagonism. I believe the work done on ceramics seeks to bring a certain sensitivity back to this topic. From my point of view, it is extremely interesting because it represents a balance between giving and receiving."
Plumage foresightedly expresses this vision by combining different elements to generate something new.
"We tried to understand if it was possible to achieve something similar in ceramics. It was a real challenge because it involves combining two different worlds. I am very pleased with the result. Today we could create a space where Plumage covers the floor and another material is alongside it, in a solution where one material hands off to the other."
The strength of Plumage lies in its ability to generate a constant dialogue with the context. Aesthetic research is accompanied by a strong sensitivity to pragmatic aspects.
Plumage is thus designed to coexist with other elements while respecting spatial balance. Alfonso Femia confirms the importance of this approach:
"The material must be in balance with other compositional elements. It should not overwhelm the detail or the whole, but should be a sensory element perceived by the observer, by those who inhabit the spaces."
Plumage in Contemporary Design
Plumage fits perfectly into a broader context, manifesting the intent to redefine contemporary design to promote harmonious integration between humans and space. The frontier of Tech-Couture finds a perfect expression in Plumage. This trend describes the growing need, in an era of exponential technological acceleration, to leverage the boldness of new technical possibilities to enhance traditional materials. Architect Femia highlights how the rapid pace of technological advancements has made the international design landscape more complex:
"Evolution over time is becoming faster and faster, so the relationship between nature and artifice must be much more dynamic."
This is why Tech-Couture calls for investment in solutions that combine progress with ecological responsibility, adapting projects to the present and future human needs.
The trend responds to the growing demand for spaces that are both functional and symbolic, reflecting the identity of those who inhabit and design them. This approach makes creativity its lifeblood, as Alfonso Femia acknowledges:
"The idea of 'exploration' returns in a historical moment when man seems to have explored everything."
Plumage, therefore, goes beyond aesthetic innovation and represents a statement of intent.
In the context of Tech-Couture, this collection demonstrates the evolutionary potential of ceramics while remaining faithful to its artisanal roots. This is only possible through a strong dialogue between industry and design to address the social and economic challenges of our time. Alfonso Femia reminds us that:
"Today's mission of design is to make innovation accessible to everyone."
The Plumage collection embodies this spirit, offering surfaces that not only furnish but interpret spaces with sensitivity and awareness.