The Salto Collection by Maria Adele Savioli of MAS Design epitomizes the art of subversion in minimalist design, skillfully leveraging materials to ignite creativity. At first glance, these pieces conceal their structural framework just enough to evoke curiosity, inviting a closer examination. Crafted with an innovative blend of brushed aluminum and terrazzo, the collection defies conventional expectations about heft and form, showcasing an imaginative intersection of sustainability, versatility, and timeless elegance.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Maria Adele Savioli
Studio: MAS Design
Material: Terrazzo and Aluminum
Year: 2012
Collection: Salto Collection
The collection’s striking use of terrazzo, an ancient composite material historically linked to pottery, is a testament to both tradition and innovation. Terrazzo has long been appreciated for its ability to recycle broken clay goods, quartz chips, and various minerals, bound together seamlessly to create durable surfaces. This material’s historical roots make it inherently heavy, an attribute well-suited to traditional applications such as flooring or countertops. However, in the Salto Collection, Savioli adds a contemporary twist by layering terrazzo onto a lightweight aluminum frame.
The juxtaposition of heavy terrazzo against feather-light aluminum frames underscores the collection’s central tenet—rethinking material properties and their potential. Aluminum, celebrated for its lightweight qualities and recyclability, grants the Salto Collection a unique fluidity of form that contrasts with the conventional solidity of terrazzo. This fusion allows the pieces to appear solid and grounded while maintaining an unexpected lightness, both physically and visually, redefining traditional design paradigms.
One of the standout features of the collection is its attention to detail, particularly in how the side pieces are crafted. They mimic the precision cuts of genuine terrazzo, enhancing the authenticity of the material while allowing glimpses of aluminum to peer through. This mastery of craftsmanship injects the collection with a level of sophistication and intellect, reflecting the designer’s intent to blend style with structural innovation. The texture of the table tops also plays a crucial role; their smooth tactile surface contrasts with the more visually complex substrate within, showcasing a refined interpretation of traditional terrazzo.
Maria Adele Savioli articulates her design philosophy through the Salto Collection by blurring the lines between structure and aesthetics, urging observers to reconsider their perceptions of material form and functionality. She describes her work as fluid yet rigid, with references to trampolines that, despite their tension and appearance, resist elasticity. This paradoxical approach contributes to a sense of depth, as light and translucency add layers to the viewing experience, akin to peering through water—a recurring motif in Savioli’s designs since she founded MAS Design in 2012.
The Salto Collection embodies a pioneering spirit, where Savioli transforms traditionally heavy, ancient materials into contemporary works that emphasize light and translucency. The innovation lies not only in the material juxtaposition but also in the narrative of challenging conventional design norms. For more on Maria Adele Savioli’s transformative designs and the Salto Collection, visit mas-design-it.
