A Study of Hues: ALPI’s chromatic display at Milan Design Week 2023

During the recently concluded Milan Design Week, ALPI—an Italian manufacturer of decorative surfaces made using reconstituted wood—presented A Study of Hues, in Milan, Italy, from April 18 to 23, 2023. The new wood veneers, showcased at Salone del Mobile and at the ALPI showroom in downtown Milan, were the result of work done by Italian and international designers in the arena of reinventing wood. The exposition, hosted in a space designed by Piero Lissoni, illustrated the brand’s commitment to producing high quality, ecologically sound veneer out of real wood. The stand at the design fair, writ in accoutrements from the brand showcased the versatility and potential of ALPI veneers. The brand’s pavilion is fluidly curved to give form to an open setting for the presentation of the showcases. The surface of the pavilion, covered with ALPI veneer, was characterised by lines and shapes that sporadically bend and turn.

Situated within this space, the objects, covered in ALPI veneer, demarcated a pathway. Visitors were welcomed to navigate their way around the pillars and screens decorated with ALPI veneers. On the other hand, at the brand’s showroom in Via Solferino, new wood took on the form of differently shaped stands, screens, totems and partitions. While the brand’s presence at the Salone fair offered a catalogue-style presentation of the latest veneers, ALPI’s exposition at their store was more colourful and playful, designed and placed with the intent of not only presenting the latest works but also engaging the audience with their interesting multi-dimensional configuration.

At the design fair, STIR established a conversation with Piero Lissoni and Konstantin Grcic, to talk more about their contribution to the ALPI showcase this year. On being asked what is more important for the current world, good art or good design, Lissoni answered, “For ALPI products, you need to be in between. Sometimes you think about the maximum level of industrialisation and sometimes about the maximum level of artistic freedom. It's like the same body with two different souls.” Grcic, on the other hand, shared, “Good design, but it would be wrong to just choose one since both are important. Design confronts and resolves problems but, art, in contrast, is completely free of restrictions. The freedom of art and a designer's discipline are both important.”

Of the many pieces displayed at the fair by ALPI, the main new item for 2023 was a project envisaged as an encounter between German industrial designer Konstantin Grcic and Vittorio Alpi. The former’s in-depth knowledge of wood and inclination to build zany designs led to the creation of two new veneers, namely Arcobaleno and Raggiosole.

"The production of ALPI veneers is a long and painstaking sequence of individual processes, but this is precisely what yields endless design possibilities. The colours of ‘Arcobaleno’ progress from blue to green to yellow, orange, red, magenta, purple and back to blue. ‘Raggiosole’ is inspired by the sunburst finish of electric guitars from the 1960s. Its colour scheme develops from red-orange to ivory to black to ivory and red-orange. Both veneers follow the same logic in how they are structured, but they could not be more different in mood. One is psychedelic and pop; the other (is) more austere. Both are suitable for large and small formats, straight and curved surfaces," shares Grcic.

Arcobaleno and Raggiosole, apart from exhibiting unique craftsmanship, also highlight the lengthy process of research, experimentation and development done with regards to colour. The chromatic effect apparent in Grcic’s creations was achieved after months of experimentation done by the designer. While the German designer’s Arcobaleno, which translates to rainbow, is composed of multiple tones and is joyful and lively, Raggiosole is subtler, calmer, and dominated by warm shades. "Colour research is part of our product culture at ALPI, but it had never gone as deep as with Konstantin Grcic. His two amazing new veneers, ‘Arcobaleno’ and ‘Raggiosole,' explore the attractive nature of interacting colours," shares Vittorio Alpi.

Another product showcased at the fair includes a veneer conceived by Italian architect, designer and ALPI’s art director Piero Lissoni, namely Xilo Kakao, which is an addition to the previous Xilo wood collection. Xilo Kakao is a chocolate brown chromatic veneer that exemplifies the material it is made from by imitating its characteristics. "Yet again, Piero has amazed me, this time with a chocolate-colour veneer interpreted in a contemporary key. ‘Kakao’ is splendidly suited to complement the Xilo range," asserts Vittorio Alpi. Pointing out what has, through the years, remained constant in design practice, Lissoni says, "We try to repeat exactly the same rhythms of life like in nature, but with technological issues."

Click on the banner video to view snippets of STIR’s conversation with Piero Lissoni and Konstantin Grcic.

‘A Study of Hues’ was on display from April 18-23, 2023, at Pavilion 4 Stand M12 at Salone del Mobile.Milano - Rho Fairgrounds, and at the ALPI showroom in Via Solferino 7, Milan, Italy.

STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2023 showcases the best exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands, and special projects to look out for. Explore Euroluce 2023 and all the design districts—5Vie Art and Design, Brera Design District, Fuorisalone, Isola Design District, Tortona District, and Milano Design District—with us.