Context
The project was given as part of the vinculation from my university (UANL in Monterrey, Mexico) and the COSMOB center in Italy. The premise was to work on a concept for an Italian fridge brand, De Blasi.
The project length was 1 scholar year divided in 2; the first part was just for the foundation of the product, the environment, De Blasi's existing models and background and research as the Design Thinking protocol dictates to define the product.
In the second half, the concept proposal and costs of production were made.
Research
Foundation
De Blasi is an Italian company that has been making display fridges and bar furniture for pastry and ice cream shops for more than 50 years, and its design shows the Italian aesthetics from the late 70s and 80s with its vibrant solid colors and sober shapes.
Understanding De Blasi background and the role the display fridges play in shops we can see how they meet the needs of these places and some possibles opportunities to test.
Strengths
Seniority
Italian Design
Variety
Attractive Design
Weaknesses
Big Size
Usage of glass (fragile)
Has to keep product refrigerated
Opportunities
Modulation
Different shapes
Play with shop space
Threats
Limits store layout
Needs space for cooling system
Has to keep product cold
The project inspired me to apply principles of organic architecture by designing a display fridge that promotes flow, adapts to user input, and ensures the product serves its purpose intuitively.
The hexagonal tiling is known to be the optimal way to use space. It appears naturally in crystals and atomic bonds.
I wanted to start this project from this shape and combine it with the De Blasi Background.
The name is inspired by the functionality in hexagonal patterns (tiling or tassellation), found in natural formations like crystals and beehives.
The indirect lighting serves dual purposes:
1. Highlighting the Product: Strategically placed lights illuminate the items inside, making them the focal point without overwhelming the viewer.
2. Crystal-Like Aesthetic: The lighting accentuates the edges of the display, creating sharp, clean lines that mimic the reflective brilliance of a crystal. This subtle glow enhances the visual appeal and reinforces the tessellated theme.
The fridge comes with heavy-duty wheels at the bottom part to slide the fridge, they rotate in every direction to place the fridge anywhere you want in the shop layout.
By marrying biomimicry with innovative functionality, Tassellazione redefines traditional appliance design, creating a product that is as beautiful as it is practical.
The project given was a good experience to put the entire design thinking process into practice, especially focusing on design a product considering the characterisitcs of materials to make it achievable. I liked dive deeply into the costs of materials, commercial components, and refrigeration systems.