architectours.it, the first networked design tourism in italy, debuts march 2017

architectours.it is the first network of design tourism in italy, with a purpose of connecting architects and interior designers to the country’s leading manufacturers and companies. over the last few years, the world of tourism has undergone profound transformation. much of its development has seen a shift from mainstream, standardized trips to more unique experiences with focuses on sports, culture, environment, and gastronomy. hence, the team sets to expand the market further into the creative industry, by bringing light to the important impact that design and architecture has on the social, cultural, and economic development of a country.

kristalia building has been designed to reflect the surrounding lowlands of its location
all images © francesco dolfo

architectours.it focuses on providing this output through excursions aimed at discovering places, artifacts, structures, manufacturing processes, and people that continue to define and influence both the italian and greater global design scene. it offers individuals deeper insights into the country’s leading producers, traditional crafting techniques and materials, as well as promotes the initiatives of specific regions — from small towns to working-class cities and business districts. by visiting major museums, corporate archives, showrooms, company headquarters, factories, and architectural sites, italy’s local richness is revealed. 

designed by sandro burigana, the headquarters reflects kristalia’s key values: transparency and sustainability

the first educational tours are scheduled for march 2017, and will take place in the northeast region of veneto. the four pioneering companies that are involved in the pilot project cover a range of sectors. magis, renowned furniture design brand that has been collaborating with leading international creatives for more than 40 years; valcucine, who has been at the forefront of the premium kitchen sector for more than 35 years; LAGO, one of the most eclectic italian design brands with innovative visions and models for living for more than 30 years; finally kristalia, a company working in the panorama of furniture design that has been defending the concept of ‘made in italy’ for more than 20 years.

in-house product testing machines ensure quality across kristalia’s goods 

during the tour, visitors will be introduced to the people behind each of these brands, offering a glimpse into the creative and business development of their work. this will be intertwined with visits to major cultural institutions like brion cemetery by carlo scarpa in san vito d’altivole; canova museum by antonio canova in possagno; eni village by edoardo gellner and carlo scarpa in borca di cadore; fondaco dei tedeschi by OMA and punta della dogana museum by tadao ando in venice; and finally, villa emo by andrea palladio in fanzolo di vedelago.

LAGO headquarters in villa del conte, padova 

all in all, the country can be considered the largest ‘open air’ design museum in the world. home to more than 25,000 design manufacturers, 3,400 museums, 2,100 archaeological sites and parks, the country has the highest number of properties (51) included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. thus, its position as the cultural centre of the world makes it a reference to the rest of the globe for the historical and contemporary lifestyle it exudes. till this day, italian companies still embrace the strong craftsmanship and high-quality tradition of the local working hands associated with the ‘made in italy’ status.   

LAGOFABBRICA facotry resembles a glass and wood home, where sunset light gently invades the workspaces 

LAGO company is based on two pillars, both borrowing toyota’s industrial philosophy: kaizen and lean thinking

magis headquarters in torre di mosto, venice

magis secret garden facing all offices

assembling chair one by konstantin grcic

valcucine’s HQ is enveloped in a chameleonic skin of shimmering, reflective plates that alter with the light

valcucine’s creative workshop where customized kitchen artwork takes shape

inside the manufacturing facilities, great care and precision is taken to ensure the highest standards

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.