Valcucine’s MATER TERRA calendar 2009 is currently exhibited at the Triennale in Milan until the 1st November 2009 with other 26 best handicrafts.
Mater Terra was selected among over 700 graphic design projects from Italy, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, UK, Irish Republic, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Holland, Brasil, United Arabian Emirates, India, China and Australia.
Milano design-in-the-city is the new urban event entirely dedicated to design enthusiasts. Showroom, culture and entertainment are the three souls of the initiative, linked by a common thread: “Shape of dreams”.
From Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th October 2009, product circuits, cultural initiatives and entertainment activities, a unique occasion to meet the protagonists of international design and live an inedited experience experience rich of contents: the best design is on display in exceptional installations and available to be purchased.
Here below you find the invitation to the opening of the exhibition ‘R.S.V.P. 1000 invitation regarding fashion, art and design’,
that will be held today, Wednesday 21st at 7.00pm at the DesignLibrary in via Savona 11, Milan.
Today is Blog Action Day! We want to take part to it by analysing the causes of global warming, as the more we know about it, the more we get aware of its risks and be able to act against it.
Global warming is one of today’s major plagues of the Earth planet and its inhabitants. But what is global warming? So, should we prevent global warming or should we use our resources and skills to adapt to its effects?
There is a current debate about this that reveals two different approaches. The first, mitigation, is about limiting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the atmosphere mostly by reducing human polluting activities. An example for this is the Kyoto Protocol. The second approach, adaptation, is about diminish society’s weakness to the consequences of global warming.
With the term ‘global warming’ we refer to the long-term set of changes affecting the planet’s climate, that is the overall increasing of the Earth’s temperature. As all living species depend on climate trends, global warming is a phenomenon affecting everybody.
Global warming directly influences the climate trends, so that it determines the rise in the number of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, heat waves and droughts. Besides, the natural habitats, the biodiversity, and the overall quality of life are at risk. It is therefore important to understand the risky situation characterising out planet today. To do that, let’s now make a list of the different effects of global warming.
DISAPPEARING OF FORESTS
According to recent studies, only in the last 30 years the human activities have destroyed almost a third of the forests. As a matter of fact, about 10% of the planet’s land area is still intact forest, the boreal forest and the tropical rainforest. The forest loss directly influence the loss of biodiversity.
LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY
The planet Earth is characterised by a wide diversity of living species, the biodiversity. Therefore, the Earth has an inestimable value, recognized by all human cultures around the world. Natural biodiversity has many implications and has to be protected. The currently estimated extinction rate of vegetal and animal species is about 1,000 times faster than before the human presence and it is expected to increase around 10,000 times faster in the next 40 years.
SPECIES EXTINCTION
The planet Earth is characterised by a wide diversity of living species, the biodiversity. Therefore, the Earth has an inestimable value, recognized by all human cultures around the world. Natural biodiversity has many implications and has to be protected. The currently estimated extinction rate of vegetal and animal species is about 1,000 times faster than before the human presence and it is expected to increase around 10,000 times faster in the next 40 years.
Many scientists believe the planet Earth is experiencing the first mass extinction since the dinosaurs’ death about 65 million years ago. The last IUCN’s World Conservation Congress in Barcelona has released a Red List of the living species at risk of extinction. In particular, the List speaks out that about 40% of 44,838 species catalogued are at risk, with over 3,000 of them classified as “critically endangered”, that is they are highly likely to dying out.
GLACIERS’ MELTING
Another effect of global warming is the glaciers melted, has revealed by scientists. In the past this process was normal, but today glaciers are melting so fast that they are going to vanish from the earth forever. In fact, the increase in the world temperature prevents the falling snow to replace the amount of melting ice that normally melts.
RISING SEA LEVELS
As a direct consequence of glaciers melting is the increase in the sea levels. As a consequence of this, the sea level is expected to rise of 50 centimetres by 2100. Such an event would threaten areas such as Asia, where million of people live very close to rivers and flood plains.
WATER SHORTAGES AND DESERTIFICATION
The growth of world population in addition to the increase in the temperature levels, the demand of water is rising as well as the amount of desert areas. The World Bank has revealed that today 80 countries suffer from water shortages that threaten the quality of life. Besides, about 2 billion people have no access to clean water.
REDUCED TOURISM
Because of global warming and mass tourism many natural areas, considered as ‘real wonders, are disappearing. The biodiversity is dying out. So the most popular vacation areas, such as the Carribean coral reefs or famous ski resorts, can no longer be granted.
POPULATIONS AT RISK
The changes the precipitation and temperature can damage food crops, disrupting food production in some parts of the world the as well as contribute to the rise in the amount of insects that bring and spread dangerous illnesses.
UNSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In the last years, the quality of life has got worse: the world population increases daily as well as the amount of necessary amount of natural resources. Il 20% of the population consumes more than the 80% of the available resources. If the remaining 80% of population had the same consumption opportunities, 5 planets Earth would not be enough to satisfy everybody’s needs. Increasing the consumes, the man produce also a huge quantity of waste, damaging the ecosystem and seriously menacing the natural environment and biodiversity.
The effects of global warming are more and more spreading all over and are going to worsen the more we wait to take action and change our life-style. Let’s take action today!
Valcucine is doing its part in contrasting global warming reducing the enormous debt with the environment that Man has accumulated to the detriment of our planet. In fact, Valcucine has implemented some reforestation projects, so that the trees planted can transform the carbon dioxide created by industrial production into oxygen and so that the quantity of wood used to make furniture can be replaced.
On 22nd-25th October Valcucine will be presenting a made-over space at Viale Piave, 27 in Milan which, for Design in the city exposition, will host a showroom dedicated to the topic of dreams. The showroom, designed by Studiopepe Milano, will lead you into a dream world full of sensorial suggestions starring the new version of Artematica called Noce Tattile.
Enjoy the luminous installations by Davide Groppi, an artist of pure light, the surprise reading performances of in-theme stories and, last but not least, the ironic and visionary food designers “Arabeschi di Latte” (Milk Arabesques) who will prepare surprising gastronomic creations in the showroom kitchen to tickle your taste buds.
Next to the Habitat VALCUCINE showroom, the historical Spotti shop of Milan will present its new indoor proposals selected from the best brands of the sector in a renovated space that reinterprets contemporary living.
Find out the location of all Valcucine showrooms…
Press Office Europe
ALAM per comunicare
t +39 02 3491206
alamsas@tuttopmi.it
General Press Office
Daniele Prosdocimo
T +39 0434 517911
daniele.prosdocimo@valcucine.it
On the 23rd and 24th October 2009 in São Paulo (Brazil) the Centro Universitário Belas Artes de São Paulo hosts the second edition of BOOMSPDESIGN – Architecture, Design and Art Forum.
“The Forum will be a nice get together of speakers from all over the world, from different fields. The meeting is, that will be attended by designers, architects, artists, graphic designers, entrepreneurs and university people, aims to promote discussions about architecture, design and art and its impacts on the modern ways of technology, consumption and behavior. Belas Artes started as an art University a more than 60 years ago. Celebrates its 25th aniversary of its design course and 30th aniversary of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning. IN this matter it is quite natural to support an event linked to these three fields.”
It is a great opportunity for our students to meet fantastic professionals from Brazil and all over the world, “says the advisor of Belas Artes, Patricia Cardim.
“The support of Belas Artes Ubiversity has been fantastic to our project. This year we also started partnerships with the community creating a new atmosphere within design studios around the city, stores, restaurants and galleries, promoting new insights into the world of design. The Brazilian community will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with great speakers, understand their thoughts and learn more about their projects”, says the promoter of Boomspdesign, Roberto Cocenza.
A new way of looking at the contemporary world that has radically transformed the aesthetics of products and the nature of consumer culture.
A MINI EXHIBITION, with participation of speakers expressing their favorite pieces;
A MINI DESIGN FILM FESTIVAL in the main lounge, exhibitions and other activities around town.
Info:
BOOMSPDESIGN – Fórum de Arquitetura, Design e Arte
23-24/10/2009
At the Centro Universitário Belas Artes de São Paulo
Rua José Antonio Coelho, 879 – unidade 3 – São Paulo (SP).
Is your design user-friendly? Would your consumers suggest it to their friends?
When we talk about design we should keep in mind the final user, that is the characteristics and needs of who is going to make use of the product.
For example, why doesn’t a new model of chair, beautiful to us, represent a successful product? Probably, because it does not fit the final consumer’s physical, psychological or sociological needs; in other words, it does not consider ergonomics.
What is ergonomics and how does it influence the design rules?
The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words: “ergo”, which means “work”, and “nomos”, which means “laws”.
Ergonomics is the science, focused of the characteristics of human fit, that studies the relationship of people with the objects they use and the spaces they live in; in particular, trying to identify the possible solutions to fatigue and discomfort within product design. In fact, when the products fit the people that are using them, in any contexts, the result is high productivity and consumer satisfaction. Ergonomics involves all the production phases, including design, manufacturing and final use. As ergonomics is related to people needs, good designer should be familiar with posture, anthropometry, motion, as well as the space surrounding the design product.
There are plenty of differences among people body size and shape, mobility, strength, training, cognition, experience, emotions, and culture. Therefore, the role of ergonomists really play a significant role in the design process, providing knowledge about how to ensure a good fit between people, in the things they do and the products they use, in a specific context.
Recognising the importance of ergonomics involves the respect for the human being and is the first step towards a successful design. Entering consumer’s mind is always useful to get the right perspective of a product’s usability and effectiveness.
Too often working under pressure or influenced by commercial trends can compromise ergonomics principles; but in the last few years, user-friendly design and usability have become buzz-words together with eco-friendly. Creativity matches with ergonomics, innovation with people needs.
Considering now the kitchen product, the need to have everything on hand and to move freely and tirelessly is often not satisfied because furniture is rarely designed to meet the physical features of each user. When buying a product it is important to find out about the aspects that allow you to make a rational choice in order to avoid working in a kitchen in which getting into uncomfortable positions that are harmful for your health becomes inevitable.
When the authentic needs and priority are identified, kitchens are eco and user-friendly. Attention to functionality and respect for health. Give a look at Valcucine’s customised kitchen in which technical aspects adapt perfectly to those who use them, like a tailor-made garment made-to-measure on the purchaser. Or discover how we have pursued and constantly pursue ideas that reduce or completely cancel the toxic emissions of furniture in domestic environments.
Let's make it green!
The importance assumed by the environmental issues has increased over the years with the level of economic development gained by the rich western countries. The fact the natural landscapes are diminishing cannot be hidden or ignored. More and more people are getting aware of the negative effects of human activities, with no exclusion. “Environmental consciousness” is getting part of the daily life and is slowly making people more responsible or, at least “conscious”, of the risks the environment is facing. Some people really believe this is a serious problem and are actively involved in improving the situation because they understand what is going on; others just try to change their behaviour because imposed by the government and some people simply ignore the evidence and continue their life normally, feeling they cannot do anything about it. In other words, people have different ways of thinking, and display sometimes contrasting behaviours, deriving in most cases from a lack of understanding
Scientists are already doing a good job by alarming the planet with the latest news and discoveries about the exact quantity of rubbish a person produces everyday. Wake up people’s mind and make them think about this problem is really the first step for the improvement of the environmental conditions.
Living in an economically wealthy society makes more difficult for people to perform an environmentally sustainable behaviour. In fact, surrounded by amounts of new products everyday, huge quantities of food at disposal at each corner, shops offering the latest commodities and the overall possibility to get everything you want, even more than you could imagine, life is too easy and comfortable to make a change, going against what the society offers you. Why should people decide to limit the consumption in their lifestyles? Unfortunately, people’s good sense is not enough to make them understand the importance of safeguarding the planet.
However, moved by their ethical sense and consciousness as well as by external inputs (commercial and non-), consumers have started to ask companies for products with a lower impact on the environment.
In answer to the challenge of the environmental issues, also companies have displayed different behaviours from one another, as consumers did. Some have decided to ignore the situation and postpone the problem, going on with the same way of doing business, while others have adapted their products development and management activities to the safeguard of the natural resources. Proactive companies understand the great opportunity given by sustainable development for growing and improving the quality of their business, giving high priority to the environment, with the investment of decreasing the polluting impact, for instance by the reduction of waste and the entering in the market with green products. These products are goods that do not damage the environment during all their life cycle; for example, a package made with recyclable materials.
Conscious of the enormous value of nature, Valcucine has implemented restores renewable raw materials and has founded Bioforest onlus. Besides, we work for eco-sustainability by designing products that are 100% recyclable, as dematerialised as possible, with zero emissions of formaldehyde, that guarantees a long technical and aesthetic life and that uses wood that does not come from the destruction of primary forests.
The problem today is that most firms still believe a green approach is not necessary to make profits, while it is more and more clear how the future depends on the way consumers and companies relate to the environmental issues.
In order to relate properly to environment and be ‘truly green’, it is important to be innovative, which is to be able to change and adapt to future trends and needs. Be creative, passionate about what you do and a good observer of the world around you. In practice, taking risks, making improvements in how business operates in terms of process and people. Believe in people, think long-term and save the planet might be a good trademark, or your personal ‘motto’ to keep in mind when you loose your way in sustainable business.
It’s raining today on Ground Zero, falling raindrops with tears. Images, pictures, faces that families keep alive – the memory of the 11th September 2001. Thousands of umbrellas give shelter and hide people’s heart from the inquisitive cameras and reflectors, at Ground Zero.
The tragedy of the 11th September 2001 has made clear that who grants security is not safe himself. This has determined a global scared and uncertain atmosphere.
However, the human spirit of survival is stronger. Despite hard events, global economic crisis and other sources of disease, the search of sustainable solutions continues and reinforces. Human beings always try to improve their quality life, most often by repairing their mistakes. For instance, forests are destroyed and, on the other side, new trees are planted. Besides, natural resources are exhausted, while someone is fighting to preserve them.
That’s the never-ending struggle for the human being and the planet where he lives.
To summarize:
PARTY @ DOM New York/Valcucine!
66 Crosby Street, New York, NY (Between Spring & Broome)
Thursday, August 27 @ 7PM
Cockails, hors d’ouvres, networking
RSVP: esther@domshowrooms.com
Valcucine is expanding worldwide, this time by renewing its showroom in the romantic ‘parisienne rive guache’ on the the next September 2009.
Italia Cucine Habitat Naturale Valcucine becomes the French flagshipstore: the Italian eco-friendly kitchens find a prestigious niche among the Paris centre’ historical buildings.
The new showroom in the heart of Paris, 202 Boulevard St. Germain, is developed in two spaces, covering 180 sqm: a shop area overlooking rue Saint Germain and a private area within the same building.
The concept is the same: to share Valcucine’s philosphy, environmental consciousness, innovation, technology and versatibility. Volumes and materials comprise, while glass, steel, wood and stone mix together in order to create customized kitchens which represent different lifestyles and personalities.
The result is a showroom designed to be a warm, welcoming environment, where Valcucine products and quality are offered with a unique, creative style.
This was possible tank to a special collaboration between Valcucine and Italia Cucine, a landmark reference for the kitchen market in Paris.
In the near future, new places are waiting for Valcucine, which is drawing new excellence paths in the kitchen furniture worldwide markets.
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