For thousands of years, glass has been a fascinating material for people. Although initially used for the manufacture of jewellery, weapons, or decorative objects, glass has evolved into a versatile element, utilised in numerous fields. The medieval period marks the development of glass manufacturing in Venice, and it comes as no surprise that the 20th and 21st-century international glass stage is dominated by yet another made in Italy: FIAM Italia Designs.
In 1973, Vittorio Livi founded FIAM, the first company that specialises in the design and production of curved glass furniture. The design is innovative. It is a blend of industrial process and artistry, traditional handicraft and modern trends, and the effect is astounding. Technology and new materials offer designers the possibility to manipulate the glass in a way that seemed impossible before.
The art of FIAM is best demonstrated by the Ghost Chair, fruit of the collaboration with the internationally renowned designer Cini Boeri. The particularity of the Ghost chair is that it is made of a single sheet of curved glass, 12 cm thick. The story behind the chair’s design is one of challenge and determination to realise the unattainable.
When Cini Boeri designed and presented the Ghost project to Vittorio Livi, she said: “I know it’s not feasible.” Confronted with the greatest challenge of his professional career, Vittorio knew it would be difficult, and it would take years of research for the right materials and technological processes right for the achievement of this project. And in the end, it was glass that allowed the creation of this iconic piece of furniture. This glass chair stands witness and proof of effort, high technology use, and unwavering willpower.
The Ghost was exposed in museums from all around the world: Denver Art Museum – USA, Musèe des Arts Decoratifs, Parigi – France, Musèe des Arts Decoratifs, Montreal – Canada, Galleria Nazionale D’Arte Moderna di Roma – Italia, Die Neue Sammlung Staatliches Museum fur Angewandte Kunst, Monaco – Germany and many more.
Excellence is the primary key for Fiam. Although glass remains the star feature for FIAM interior designs, its mission does not stop here. FIAM also means outdoor products for hotels, resorts, camping, SPA or medical furnishing, all made with sustainable, durable, and high-quality materials. The diverse range of FIAM Designs was many times internationally recognized and awarded. Aside from many patented techniques, FIAM aims to produce pieces that hold high-quality certificates with a minimal impact on the environment.
In a world of innovations and amazing technological breakthroughs, FIAM continues to amaze with unprecedented made in Italy designs.
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Article edited by Mark Webber