We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Davide Diliberto about their original and creative Radiator design work. Davide Diliberto is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original radiator works.
Davide Diliberto ("DD") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Raw Radiator. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
DD : I wanted that my product fitted with the company’s claim “Radiators for architecture”. I had this idea in mind, an empty structure which looked as a building element, then the crossing tubes become the core aesthetic theme. We often draw an “X” to cancel something, but also to point out, place, drill, reach, etc. It is a strong sign but at the same time it doesn’t add a too specific flavor. All these factors made me believe in its great aesthetic potential, so I thought to use it to make a big object looking lightweight despite its dimensions. Its design is intended to integrate with the architectural project and to get a radiator that doesn’t look as it is expected to be.
DD : The product is produced by Brem, it has already come to the market and the reaction is enthusiastic. Together with the company we’ll keep on exploring every opportunity for such a modular system.
DD : It has took a very short time from the first sketches to 3D rendering, let’s say, about 1 month. The concept was clear in my mind and the company’s know how is so strong that could develop the product in less than 3 months.
DD : I had the vision of a modular, three-dimensional radiator that could escape from the ordinary shapes, technologies and style limitations. I decided to propose it to Brem, especially considering that they work with steel tubes and are comfortable with the maximum range extension or customization.
DD : I have worked with archetypes: square, rectangular and X sign. Those ingredients mixed together allow Raw to fit a wide range of styles and environments, thanks to the balance between personality and regular main lines. I think that interior designer could need these kind of products, especially for complements integrated with the architecture, like doors, hardware and bathroom accessories that are meant to last. I hope that such a radiator could be a timeless one.
DD : I really appreciate an emerging architectural trend called “Rough style”, a kind of well balanced and timeless mix among different inspirations like Industrial, Ethnic, Shabby chic, Minimal, and others. I can find some of the best results in the projects by Norm Architects and Neri&Hu. My radiator could be placed in this kind of interiors, thanks to its not finished and neutral look. So I’ve searched for a name that could recall the same meaning.
DD : There are two crucial factors for the feasibility of this product: bending the tubes and making it economically sustainable. The curvature must be identical in each of 8 corners of a single module and every module must match the one connected both in sizes and holes for water passage. Also the welding know how is really important with such a big amount of junctions.
DD : I’ve tried to give the product the best chance to success, focusing on the right pictures that could show all its functional and aesthetic opportunities. Compared to my previous designs, this time the role of the right communication has been crucial, first to persuade the company, then the market.
