Ranieri – Under the Volcano & more at former SNIA factory | Milan Design week 2025
Previously I showed the 4 sites of this year’s Alcova locations in Varedo and discovering the two new sites certainly did not disappointed me, with the former SNIA factory as my absolute favourite new location of the two. HAve a look here about the story behind the locations: Alcova introduces two new sites for their 2025 edition at Varedo
Are you ready to see the images I made! I might write some more background articles about the designers that I thought were new and inspiring and split Alcova up in a few articles as I have to many pictures I want to show you which I hop you will enjoy! First stop the SNIA factory, abandoned for over 20 years and overgrown with ivy and softened by moss, the site reveals an interplay of industrial decay and nature’s quiet reclamation.
Under the Volcano
As soon as entering the building The striking installation by Ranieri caught my attention ‘Under the Volcano’, set in the raw, industrial space with huge windows and bold lines, the installation explores the primal energy of the volcano through sound, stone, and architecture. It’s a powerful and sensory experience where design, technology, and art beautifully come together.
At the centre of the space are sculptural lava blocks by artist Quayola, shaped by a robotic arm following digital erosion patterns. It feels like nature and tech merged into something totally new. And the result feels both ancient and futuristic. The deep soundscape by musician Rodrigo D’Erasmo surrounds you like a slow-moving force, while architectural towers, covered in lava stone tiles, rise into the space—designed by Francesco Meda and David Lopez Quincoces, they play with light and texture in a very poetic way.
For Ranieri, the volcano is more than a theme, it’s a metaphor for creativity and change. Something rough and imperfect turned into something beautiful. It’s not just a material story, but also one of vision and experimentation and a reminder of how design can express emotion, movement, and time, all through natural stone.
About Raniere
Renowned for its excellence in the craftsmanship of volcanic stone, Ranieri elevates lava to its highest expressions in art, architecture, and interior design. Located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius and led by Giovanni Ranieri, the company explores the essence of lava with an innovative aesthetic, rediscovering the untapped potential of its unique organic composition. With centuries of expertise, Ranieri passes down a deeply rooted tradition that has been integral to the Neapolitan territory for generations. Striking a perfect balance between artisanal craftsmanship and industrial production, Ranieri’s collections range from interior and exterior cladding to furniture. Designed in collaboration with luxury brands, they reflect a profound respect for the raw material and a constant pursuit to enhance its unmistakable uniqueness // txt Ranieri
Habitare fair & Materials
Ever since being invited by Habitare to their yearly fair in Helsinki back in 2016 I stayed in touch with them, meeting them at several occasions and also at Alcova the last few years where their exhibition curated by NEMO Architects and Päivi Helander features 13 Finnish companies and designers: Arktis Furniture |Fiberwood | Durat | Hiil | KOIVUI |
KOTA company | Metsä Fibre | Mölinä | Pihlgren ja Ritola | Suomen Käsityön Ystävät |VM Carpet | Ville Auvinen and Aino Michelsen | Fanni Laukkanen | Roosa Ryhänen
See through’s everywhere
Summer colours, can’t remember the name and lost the Alcova map, so if you know let me know
Images ©vosgesparis
Het bericht Ranieri – Under the Volcano & more at former SNIA factory | Milan Design week 2025 verscheen eerst op vosgesparis.