Urbi et Orbi unveils Medius Terra: a taste of the Mediterranean at Milan Design Week 2024
Urbi et Orbi’s New Medius Terra Collection Captures the Mediterranean Essence
Urbi et Orbi’s new Medius Terra collection is a love letter to the Mediterranean region, bringing its essence to life through a stunning series of concrete designs. Inspired by the genius loci – the unique spirit of a place – this collection immerses viewers in the sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant cultures, and age-old traditions that have defined the Mediterranean for centuries.
Three Distinct Design Perspectives, One Unified Vision
The Medius Terra collection brings together the diverse perspectives of three renowned designers – Gian Paolo Venier – OTTO Studio, Sotiris Lazou Design Studio, and CTRLZAK. Each designer has contributed their own unique interpretation of the Medius Terra concept, resulting in a well-rounded exploration of the Mediterranean spirit through individual mastery and artistic expression.
Global Debut at Milan Design Week 2024 at Design Variations by Mosca Partners
Urbi et Orbi will debut its Medius Terra collection to the global audience at Milan Design Week 2024. The brand’s creations will be showcased at the Design Variations exhibition by Mosca Partners, located at 14 Viale Gorizia in Darsena. Press preview on April 14th, followed by the public exhibition from April 15th to 21st, open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
The Medius Terra Collection: A Harmony of Forms and Nature
Rooted in the Mediterranean’s captivating landscapes and vibrant heritage, the Medius Terra collection showcases an exceptional range of designs. Three distinctive pieces, each designer’s unique interpretation, truly encapsulate the essence of this collection.
Three distinct chapters – Gea, Zoe, and Forma – which come together in harmonious conversation to encapsulate the Medius Terra collection.Gea
Gea, represents the very essence of the Mediterranean. It’ s a ride designed to awaken the senses and build connections with the beauty that surrounds us, capturing the essence of the soil, the landscape, the flora, and the fauna in a sensory experience.
Strata, by CTRLZAK
Stratification is the overlapping of various mineral compositions, where the upper layers are younger than the ones under them, showing the passing of time in stacks of diverse deposits. The Mediterranean basin is home to a multitude of diverse geological phenomena, with a rich story of sedimentation, erosion, and strong volcanic activity, all of which contribute to make a unique stratified environment. This concept makes us reflect on our conception of time through the geological spectrum in the Mediterranean and our planet as a whole.
TUS by Gian Paolo Venier
TUS is a series of four side tables/stools and talks about earth, about the vegetal feeling and organic forms. This project investigates nature’s mathematical precision in producing seemingly organic and imprecise forms, and is fascinated by pattern repetition.
The shape resembles that of a cactus, a cactus garden. A quote from man’s intervention on nature (Le Jardin Majorelle – Marrakesh), the use of nature in architecture, always a fascinating gesture.
Zoe
Zoe, delves into the human spirit that thrives in this region. It’ s a celebration of everything that we are, our existence, our vitality, our culture, our way of life. Even for those who haven ‘t experienced it firsthand, the collection evokes a profound connection, a feeling of truly being there.
Jar, by Gian Paolo Venier OTTO Studio
JAR is a series of three coffee tables and talks about the hands of the craftsman, the intelligent hands (The Craftsman – Richard Sennett). It speaks of the imprecision of manual work by observing its beauty. The ratios of the measurements of these three tables are deliberately forced to give them a soft shape, which tells of the earth. In this case, cement is treated like clay, a material that aspires to be natural and therefore precious.
Vika by Sotiris Lazou
As a component of ZOE, VIKA illuminates the lifestyle of ancient Greece. The βικ̃ ος (small jar) once served as a vessel for transporting water, and now it serves as the muse for this pendant lamp, wrapped in earthy colors like those of ancient vika. Following its inspiration from Greek pottery, VIKA embodies the enduring grace and sophistication, emblematic of this region. The perpetual flow of water is identified with the eternal source of light, while these cylindrical hangers, arranged around the body of the lamp, evoke a compelling urge to reach out and experience the design’s rich history firsthand.
The selection of materials further accentuates VIKA’s ties to its Mediterranean heritage, with earthy terracotta hues and organic textures paying homage to the rustic charm of the area. Balancing modernity with tradition, VIKA mas- terfully melds into contemporary environments while imparting a distinct Mediterranean flair.
SAROMA by Sotiris Lazou
Drawing inspiration from traditional Mediterranean craftsmanship and architecture, the SAROMA table combines modern materials with elements of nature, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. The use of concrete for the table top represents durability and practicality, while the metal base adds a touch of industrial elegance.
Additionally, the incorporation of raw material from natural straw brooms add a distinct texture and visual interest to the table, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.
Forma
Forma focuses on the aesthetics that define the Mediterranean. It’ s a study of the forms, the shapes, the cohesiveness, the architecture, a silent storyteller whispering tales of the region’ s architectural heritage.
Kamara by Sotiris Lazou
The iconic arches, prevalent among architectural practices worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean, serve as inspiration for the designs. Drawing from the Camares of Santorini and Cycladic islands, these FORMA pieces encapsulate the historical and geographical essence of these places, complemented by their vibrant colors.
Envisioned with a color palette reflecting the Mediterranean region, these pieces combine white, earth tones, and blue, evoking the serene island atmosphere and vibrant culture.
With elements of bohemian luxury, our design achieves a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort. As a piece with its own identity, KAMARA can beautifully blend within a space as a memory of whitewashed buildings with the twist of earthy hues covering the design, echoing the rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes of Santorini.
Legante by CTRLZAK
The Romans used to call it Mare Nostrum, even though it was home to anyone that lived on its coastlines. People, sailing across the Mediterranean, exchanging goods and knowledge (peacefully or not), have left traces of their passing, lifestyles and constructions, building cities with local stones, terracotta bricks and tiles. These traditional elements, combined with modern techniques, create a contemporary terrazzo that reflects on the unique cultural mosaic that is the Mediterranean basin.
Through its expressive forms, rich colors, and inviting textures, the Medius Terra collection engages more than just the sense of sight. It creates a multi-sensory journey that transports viewers directly to the heart of the captivating Mediterranean region. This immersive experience is made possible by Urbi et Orbi’s dedication to handcrafted perfection and their nature-inspired design philosophy.
The uniqueness of Medius Terra lies in the beautiful synergy between these diverse perspectives. As shapes communicate, hues characterize, and touch is sensed, emotions, aromas, and flavors of the Mediterranean, spring to mind, creating a collection that transcends the visual, transporting you to the heart of this captivating region.
Medius Terra is a testament to the enduring power of nature and human craftsmanship. It’ s a collection shaped by the elements, meticulously handcrafted with a focus on detail, a hallmark of Urbi et Orbi.
Shaped by nature and bare hands.
Photo Credits: Giagkos Papadopoulos
Creative Direction: Saint of Athens
Company Profile
We live in a fast-paced world, where infinite images succeed one another at a rapid pace and in the end, we do not have time to see the depth in any of them until they eventually become two-dimensional.
At URBI et ORBI we love to give duration to the moments.
We enjoy the present before it becomes the past. We refuse to look only at the surface; we seek the underlying meanings, emotions and messages. In URBI et ORBI, we insist on believing in timeless values. A product can be more than just an object. It can have a long-term existence, and age gracefully without deteriorating. It can be the space, not merely fill it. In addition to its functionality, a product should have character, spirit, and personality. It should awaken memories and emotions, engage in a dialogue with the user, have an identity, move through space and time, create relationships and experiences. We want to receive and transmit messages. We produce and propose products that have life.
Established in Athens in 2012 URBI et ORBI has spent a decade showcasing the versatility of concrete as a premier material for design products. Collaborating with esteemed designers, we have curated exceptional collections across bathroom and living spaces. Throughout our journey, we have earned recognition and acclaim from professionals worldwide, “cementing” our reputation as innovators in the industry. With an innovative viewpoint, we evolve, experimenting with new techniques and finishes, viewing each new design as a challenge.
Central to our production process is concrete, our primary raw material.
Infused with technologically advanced components and complemented by secondary materials like wood and metal, our products embody a blend of form and function. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, our creations adhere to European standards and directives, ensuring quality and reliability.
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