Goccia: A Contemporary Vision of the Domestic Hearth

Giuliano Ricciardi's Award-Winning Design Combines Functionality and Aesthetics

The inspiration for Goccia came from the idea of a buoy suspended in mid-air, serving as a reference point and a place of gathering. The design's unique properties lie in its versatility and the materials used. Made from ceramic, the containers can be used both indoors and outdoors, and are suitable for holding food. Additionally, they are equipped with warm white LED lights, transforming them into diffusers of soft light and creating a soothing atmosphere.

Goccia is available in three sizes, with the largest variant complemented by an oak top. The design process involved lathe ceramics processing for the body of the containers and CNC woodworking for the oak top. The containers are suspended from the ceiling by a rope, adding to the design's unique aesthetic appeal.

The design's organic shape and hanging feature make it a standout piece. The project, which began in December 2013 in Taranto, Italy, was completed with a full-scale prototype in February 2014. The design process posed several challenges, including the precise reproduction of an organic shape in three different scales and the consideration of the weight and characteristics of ceramic.

Ricciardi's design also responds to the social implications of modern technology. As devices like smartphones and tablets tend to physically isolate individuals, Goccia encourages a return to communal gathering, much like a fireplace or a television set would. The design is a testament to Ricciardi's ability to blend form, function, and social commentary.

In conclusion, Giuliano Ricciardi's Goccia is more than just a container. It is a design that combines functionality, aesthetics, and a contemporary interpretation of the domestic hearth. It is a testament to Ricciardi's innovative approach to design, which has earned him the prestigious Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2019.