Siman By Gian Paolo Venier

Italian designer Gian Paolo Venier emulates Iranian architecture in his latest tableware collection, ‘Siman’.

Architecture in Iran, specifically the 20 meter tall bricked Toghrul Tower in Tehran, is the inspiration behind homeware designer Venier’s ‘Siman’. The tower is recognizable thanks to its pleated exterior and unretouched outside. A passionate traveler, Venier’s designs are often informed by the “afar atmospheres” and landscapes of his trips. This seven-piece collection, which includes a cake stand, candle-holders, dishes and a vase, echoes the pleats found on Toghrul. Venier also tried to keep the weathered look of the tower alive by purposefully leaving each object unpolished. As a collection, ‘Siman’ appears like ancient ruins or a working archaeological site.

To make the pieces, Venier makes use of traditional techniques as well as contemporary 3D printing developments. Venier’s biography states that he “combines a cosmopolitan elegance with the highest attention to materials.” He handcrafts the tableware objects out of clay and then sends them over to Brignetti Longoni design studio in Milan, where they use High Impact Polystyrene to make the pieces. Lastly, the semi-finished items go over to Urbi Et Orbi — a specialist studio in Greece where they cast the final concrete pieces.

The collection, which comes in a light grey and anthracite will be launched at this year’s Salone del Mobile which runs from April 17-22, 2018.

All images © Olivier Lacrouts