view out the windscreen
all images courtesy of riva


australian designer marc newson has designed a limited edition aquariva in collaboration
with the ferretti group brand and italian luxury boat manufacturer riva.

the design is called 'aquariva by marc newson' and is constructed from a laminated fabric
composed of a phenolic compound that mimics wood. the material was developed at the
beginning of the twentieth century, a precursor of fiberglass, combining a natural appearance
and texture similar to that of wood. to obtain a high tech touch while keeping with the
traditional elegance of riva, newson has also selected to us anodized aluminum instead of steel
and brass plated components to give the boat a sleeker appearance.



profile and top views

'as a child I was fascinated by design and the ability to create and postwar italian design
was a great source of inspiration for me. I was impressed by the incomparable ability
of designers to give shape to any type of industrial product, from furniture to cars.
my career was undoubtedly influenced by the ability of italian artisans to excel in many
areas of design, and this influence is clearly recognizable in 'aquariva by marc newson'
my first nautical design project and collaboration with riva.' - marc newson

top view


newson's design draws on the classic glamour of the aquariva's predecessor the aquaraman
'we are delighted that marc newson chose the aquariva that we created in 2001,
to express his nautical design vision. his interpretation is a timeless classic, bringing together
a thread between past and present, between tradition and innovation,' said the
italian design workshop (the italian design studio that for over 20 years has given riva boats
their exclusive style). the boat features a wraparound laminated glass windscreen,
double door entry to the cabin, bow thruster, electronic transmission technology and the
reintroduction of separate driver and passenger seats.

the boats come in a limited edition of 22 units which will be available in september 2010
and sold through gagosian gallery in new york.






the stern of the boat



'aquariva by marc newson'



the bow



the 'aquariva super' limited edition model owned by norberto ferretti, president of ferretti group which has owned riva since 2000.
image © designboom


in 2009, designboom was invited to visit and tour the riva boatyard in sarnico, italy.
take a look at our visit here.