Plumage: A Journey Between Past and Present Signed by Alfonso Femia

In the field of ceramic design, craftsmanship and innovation have always been in dialogue.

Thanks to technology, these two elements coexist, creating meaningful visual and tactile experiences with a forward-looking perspective. This approach finds its highest expression in the Plumage collection, developed in collaboration with architect and designer Alfonso Femia.

Architect Femia, founder and president of Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia, is an Ambassador of Italian Design for the ADI (Associazione Disegno Industriale). During the 41st edition of Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, he shared his vision of the future of ceramic design.

The concept of the feather as a key to dialogue between nature and artifice

Alfonso Femia describes the link between nature and artifice as a fundamental element of contemporary architecture and design:

“The relationship between nature and artifice is our connection. It is the connection we must devote ourselves to the most because it concerns our interaction with the places we encounter. […] It is often taken to extremes, either ideologically or concretely, or presented as antagonism. I believe the work done on ceramics seeks to bring sensitivity to this theme. From my point of view, it is extremely interesting because it represents a balance between giving and receiving.”

Plumage foresightedly expresses this vision by associating different elements to generate something new.

The concept draws life from the complexity of birds’ plumage, a masterpiece of natural technology, which serves as an ideal metaphor for representing the dialogue between craftsmanship and innovation. In this collection, the texture indeed recalls the delicacy of feathers, creating surfaces that are not only functional but also rich in visual and sensory meaning.

“We sought to understand whether it was possible to achieve something similar in the field of ceramics. It was a real challenge, as it involved the union of two different worlds. I am very satisfied with the result. Today, we could create a space where Plumage is used for flooring alongside another material, in a solution where one material hands off to the other.”

The success of Plumage lies in its ability to maintain a constant dialogue with its surroundings.

Its aesthetics are combined with a high degree of pragmatic sensitivity. The chosen formats — 60×120 cm and 60×60 cm — optimize laying patterns while enhancing visual impact. The five color variants — Océan, Fleur, Menthe, Perle, and Neige — explore a chromatic range spanning from delicate to intense tones, evoking the variety of colors found in nature.

Plumage is designed to harmoniously coexist with other materials, maintaining spatial balance. Alfonso Femia underscores the importance of this approach:

“The material must be in balance with other compositional elements; it should not overpower the detail or the whole but must be a sensory element perceived by the observer, by those who inhabit the spaces.”

Plumage and contemporary design: a fusion of Tech-Couture and ceramics

Plumage fits seamlessly into the context of contemporary design, with the aim of redefining the relationship between people and space. The frontier of Tech-Couture finds in Plumage one of its most effective expressions. This trend reflects the need to leverage new technical possibilities to enhance traditional materials in a world characterized by exponential technological acceleration.

Femia emphasizes how the rapid pace of technological innovations makes the design landscape increasingly complex:

“Evolution over time is becoming faster and faster, so the relationship between nature and artifice must be much more dynamic.”

Tech-Couture highlights the need to invest in solutions that combine progress with ecological responsibility, adapting designs to current and future human needs.

The trend responds to the growing demand for spaces that are both functional and symbolic, reflecting the identity of their inhabitants and designers. This approach draws its lifeblood from creativity, as Alfonso Femia acknowledges:

“The idea of ‘exploration’ is returning at a time in history when it seems that man has explored everything.”

Plumage is not limited to aesthetic innovation but represents a true declaration of intent.

In the context of Tech-Couture, this collection demonstrates the evolutionary potential of ceramics, remaining faithful to its artisanal roots. A strong dialogue between industry and design is essential to meet the social and economic challenges of our time. Femia concludes:

“The mission of design today is to make innovation accessible to everyone.”

The Plumage collection embodies this spirit, offering surfaces that not only furnish but also interpret space with sensitivity and awareness.

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Mirage designs and produces porcelain stoneware floors and coverings for commercial, public and residential spaces.

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