marc newson: limited edition aquariva

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.