In recent years, driven by the climate and economic crisis, design has also been called upon to evolve with a sustainable perspective, not just concerning products.
‘The concept of sustainability now also encompasses social and economic aspects,’ summarizes Alberto Viscovich, President of Atmosphera, an Italian furniture brand specializing in outdoor solutions and the contract sector with luxury brands Atmosphera Outdoor and Capital Interior. ‘Sustainability, for companies, is not a passing trend but a necessary development direction to respond to an increasingly attentive consumer and ensure long-term survival.’ Creating value in terms of Sustainable Design means rethinking and redesigning philosophy and aesthetics. A central element of Atmosphera’s vision is the care in material selection.
‘Sustainable design does not sacrifice the aesthetic and functional quality of furniture,’ clarifies Viscovich, ‘but, on the contrary, offers the opportunity to combine charm and comfort with sustainability through innovative and creative projects. This process involves the use of certified, natural, recycled, and non-toxic materials that reduce the environmental impact during the product’s lifecycle.’ In Viscovich’s vision of sustainable design, there is ‘definitely a reduced use of wood for outdoor furnishings. For instance, in a chair, wood can be replaced with aluminum and a small wooden detail can be added. Deconstructing and simplifying products to reduce the use of unnecessary materials is an intelligent approach. But also, experimenting with fabrics, ceramics, and matte water-based finishes leads to innovative solutions.’ The company’s growth and expansion plan also include the opening of the new headquarters in Limena (Pd). An innovative building that has achieved the nZEB (nearly Energy Zero Building) classification and will guarantee high energy performance. The project, designed by Christian Grande Design Work-Studio Orteschi, ‘connects all workspaces,’ Viscovich concludes, ‘thanks to the presence of vegetation as an element that oxygenates and eliminates any alienating component, in an ideal continuity between interiors and exteriors.’
Fiorella Cipolletta
