July 29, 2016

Lapitec, the Italian manufacturer of large slabs in full-body sintered stone, has launched a series of projects dedicated to exploring innovative applications of the material. With a desire to accomplish this research, Lapitec partnered with the Verona Academy of Fine Arts and the Ferrara University Faculty of Architecture to create an ideas competition.

Under the guidance of professor Francesco Benedetti, an expert in industrial design, the first-year students of the Verona Academy of Fine Arts developed a project using Lapitec in two different application areas: kitchen spaces and urban furniture. The students were asked to thoroughly evaluate the correct use of the material and the possibility of combining it with other accessories.

A different process was requested of the University of Ferrara second-year Faculty of Architecture students, who were introduced to the most important and representative materials in the sector and the most appropriate processing techniques and technologies. Once they had completed this preparatory research stage, they were then asked to devise creative uses for one or more materials. The result was three projects using Lapitec in three different contexts: kitchen spaces, urban furniture and partition walls.

“The aim of the initiative was to introduce the upcoming generations, meaning the architects of tomorrow, to the potential of this new product,” said Gino Sartor, Lapitec marketing manager. “We’re investing heavily in promoting the qualities of full body sintered stone and the response from professionals, architects and designers has been extremely positive, so we are continuing on the path of innovation, developing new ideas and unique solutions in the area of finishes, colors and applications.”