Marazzi has opened an exhibition space in Rome, in Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando: we are in the heart of the city, just a few steps from the monumental Terme di Diocleziano and Palazzo Barberini (with prestigious neighbors: across the street is the St. Regis Rome, a five-star hotel with a 130-year history and interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon). An exceptional location, 400 square meters of space distributed over two levels and designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS. The entrance area, which opens up to the city through four large windows facing the street, houses Marazzi Privé, the heart of the project, an installation that evokes the atmosphere of a hotel lobby
The space is punctuated by curvilinear tile-covered wings that create niches for seating; on the floor, large circular “carpets” – a play on inlays using large slabs – create an unexpected decoration. Everything is designed to demonstrate the ability of ceramic products to offer innovative solutions through advanced technology and adaptability. The various rooms are connected by openings topped by arches (original to the building, which took about a year to restore and renovate) and highlighted by polished tile cladding, in continuity with the niches in the Marazzi Privé area. A series of interconnected themed rooms tell the story of the brand’s vast catalogue: materials dialog with the architecture, creating a visual flow that invites visitors to explore every detail.
In the area dedicated to large formats, the slabs, arranged vertically and on slides, look like carpets. In the various rooms, extruded metal shelves (with the profile left open, a deliberately “technical” detail) hold samples of surfaces, colors and finishes. “Designing the new Marazzi showroom in Rome was a stimulating design exercise: we created a succession of environments that could enhance the versatility of ceramic products, highlighting their material perception through unprecedented applications. A space to be fully discovered that will contribute to the strong wave of renewal that is felt in Rome today”, says Patricia Viel, CEO and co-founder of ACPV ARCHITECTS.
Mauro Vandini, CEO of Marazzi and President Global Ceramic of Marazzi’s parent company Mohawk Industries, comments: “The city is experiencing a renaissance in the field of design and construction, with numerous initiatives and spaces dedicated to creativity and innovation. Opening a Marazzi space in Rome allows us to integrate into a stimulating and constantly evolving environment, where technology and tradition can blend perfectly. A space designed to support our clients and design professionals, offering an ideal reference point for sharing ideas and creative solutions.” Marazzi has also collaborated with a select number of partners to create the exhibition space: Flexform, Viabizzuno, Ideal Standard, Foster and Riflessi.
