The world of design is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Within this realm, the talented designer Patricia Urquiola has embarked on an extraordinary journey of discovery, delving into the expressive potential of matter and surfaces. Her recent creations for Agape, the Cenote a Colonna freestanding washbasin and the Bloque system, exemplify her commitment to pushing the limits of design while embracing the beauty of craftsmanship.
Cenote a Colonna: Sculptural Elegance and Sensory Vibrations
The Cenote washbasin series designed by Patricia Urquiola has captivated the design world with its magnetic allure and multi-sensory experience. In its latest iteration, the Cenote a Colonna, Urquiola explores the seamless fusion of a circular basin and a linear column, both meticulously crafted from natural or dark refractory clay. Hand-shaped on the lathe, these materials give rise to surfaces that boast unpredictable variations, making each piece a unique work of art.
With the introduction of the freestanding version, the Cenote a Colonna now offers a captivating sculptural effect that can be placed at the center of any room. Patricia Urquiola emphasizes the importance of the artisanal component, which, when combined with the essential architectural composition, elevates the sensory vibrations of refractory clay. Breaking away from conventional decorative styles, the freestanding Cenote introduces fresh emotions to the bathroom setting.
The exterior surface intentionally retains its raw and rough texture, creating a compelling contrast with the glazed and polished interior of the basin. Available in two sizes and two exterior finishes – natural earth or dark earth – both options feature a transparent enameled interior. The natural earth version showcases a creamy white interior, while the dark earth version reveals a stunning blue interior. The Cenote a Colonna washbasin is a testament to the marriage of sculpture and function, offering an architectural masterpiece for the modern bathroom.
Bloque System: Surface Tectonics and Minimalistic Versatility
Continuing her exploration of materials, Patricia Urquiola introduces the Bloque countertop and storage system. This design concept enhances the sensory allure of stones and woods while maintaining a visually open and compositionally rigorous approach. The Bloque system is defined by its juxtaposed and perpendicular tops, creating a dynamic and staggered movement between surfaces.
Urquiola describes Bloque as a minimalistic “trace” that incorporates the tactile qualities of various finishes, including lava stone. Its essential composition serves as a counterpoint to the raw shapes of the Cenote washbasins, crafted from refractory clay. However, the versatility of the Bloque system allows for seamless integration with other bathroom elements and offers customization options for the dimensions of the horizontal tops.
Modularity is a key feature of the Bloque system, offering widths ranging from 80 to 220 cm with intervals of 20 cm. The suggested compositions provided by the range can be effortlessly combined by simply juxtaposing them, enabling the creation of wider configurations. This adaptability makes Bloque suitable for various rooms in a home or even contract spaces. It represents a universal design gesture, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Patricia Urquiola’s designs for Agape exemplify her mastery of exploring matter and surfaces. The Cenote a Colonna washbasin series showcases the sculptural elegance and emotional impact of refractory clay, while the Bloque system embraces the versatility of materials, allowing for personalized compositions that blend seamlessly into any space. Through these innovative creations, Urquiola demonstrates her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while honoring the rich traditions of craftsmanship.
