SIMAN collection of concrete tableware is inspired by Iranian architecture | Gian Paolo Venier for URBI ET ORBI

Gian Paolo Venier and the Greek brand URBI ET ORBI introduce us SIMAN collection: a new collection of concrete tableware inspired by Iranian architecture!

A passionate traveler, Gian Paolo Venier is in constant search of afar atmospheres to contaminate his design vocabulary. Designer and creative director at international level, his distinctive signature combines a cosmopolitan elegance with the highest attention to materials, textures, tailor-made creations and sophisticated color palettes.

SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
CAKE STAND_SIDE SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
CAKE STAND_DETAIL SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS

A postcard representing the ancient Toghrul tower, situated near Teheran (Iran) – that the designer received from an old Iranian friend – was the starting point for this collection of tableware.

SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS

The name of the collection comes from the Farsi term “siman”, which means concrete.
Marked by the iconic pleating – which creates an ever-changing game of shadows and depths – SIMAN was conceived for the Greek brand URBI ET ORBI, which is specialized in the production of concrete accessories for the home.

CANDLE HOLDER – BIG_FRONT SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
CATCH ALL_TOP SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
CATCH ALL_FRONT SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS

The 7 pieces – cake stand, candle-holder short, candle-holder tall, catch- all, dish small, dish big, vase – carry a strong architectural character and act as little architectures populating our interior landscapes with a highly graphic and timeless personality.

SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS

Available in 2 shades that highlight the texture of the concrete – light grey and anthracite – the collection is hand produced in Greece.

 
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS

The pieces were first “sketched” by the designer using clay – a material dear to him as it allows to freely explore shapes and textures. The resulting objects were then reinterpreted with a 3D modeling software and 3D printed in 1:1 scale. Lastly, these samples were used to create the silicon molds used by UrbiEtOrbi to cast the concrete pieces.

SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
CANDLE HOLDER – SMALL_FRONT SIMAN COLLECTION  © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
DISH – BIG_TOP SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
DISH – BIG_FRONT SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS

 

 

SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
VASE_TOP SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
VASE_SIDE SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
SIMAN collection, URBI ET ORBI, Gian Paolo Venier, Iranian architecture, concrete, concrete tableware
VASE_FRONT SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS
VASE_DETAIL SIMAN COLLECTION © GIANNIS KYRIAKAKOS

The articulated prototyping process – that mixed different and very distant techniques, from the “ancient” clay molding to the ultra-contemporary 3D printing – ensured the desired final feeling of the pieces, in-between tradition and innovation.

SIMAN will be officially launched in Milan, on the occasion of Salone del Mobile 2018, April 17-22.

SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS
SIMAN COLLECTION © OLIVIER LACROUTS

Facts & Credits
Project title  Siman Collection 
Designer  Gian Paolo Venier  for UrbiEtOrbi

Styled pictures
Photo & styling © Olivier Lacrouts

Still pictures
Photo © Giannis Kyriakakos

 

 

Find out more about Urbi Et Orbi products here!

 

 


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