La cucina è passata in breve tempo ad essere da macchina a organismo. Da luogo destinato esclusivamente alla preparazione dei cibi, a cuore sociale della casa in cui condividere e diversificare le esperienze. Massimo Iosa Ghini ha messo a frutto questo cambio di paradigma con Virgola, progettata per ARAN Cucine, una cucina che, come suggerisce il nome, asseconda il movimento naturale del corpo con linee sinuose, insieme ad un’efficienza “invisibile” che elimina gli ingombri fisici. Un ambiente emotivo, non più prettamente tecnico, dove la tecnologia plasma i materiali in funzione dell’ergonomia, e dove innovare significa anche ridurre i componenti superflui e ottimizzare le risorse. Ce ne parla il progettista.
Virgola defines itself as a project centered on the individual and their way of living. How?
Through “biocentric reconnection,” abandoning industrial rigidity in favor of organic and sinuous forms that promote psychophysical wellbeing. The design is intended to follow the natural movement of the body in space, making daily use of the kitchen immediate, fluid, and free from physical or visual friction.
What input did the company provide for the design?
The main inputs revolved around alignment with the 2026 megatrends of the Salone del Mobile: living change through sustainability and innovation. The company requested a proposal based on the duality of craftsmanship and innovation, focusing on design longevity and the systemic optimization of resources to reduce waste.
How did the curve idea that inspired the design come about?
The curve was born out of a need to create a functional yet aesthetic element. I wanted a visual harmony that mirrored the fluidity of movements within the kitchen. The curve defines the workspace but also shapes the flow of interactions, both practical and emotional. It was important that the space feel open, warm, and welcoming.
What is the technological component of Virgola? What are its structural characteristics?
The technology in Virgola is not displayed mechanically; rather, it is integrated into the form. It serves to achieve continuity in the curved lines – the “comma,” as it were – voiding visually intrusive joints and adapting to the human body, leveraging the material’s flexibility and manufacturing precision. A significant innovation is the curvature of the porcelain stoneware: an extremely rigid material that is difficult to shape into non-flat forms. Bending it into a curved surface represents a significant technological advancement, as it requires industrial processes with high precision and control. The sink is no longer a separate element but is carved from the same material as the countertop – porcelain stoneware – eliminating any production discontinuity. This marks a shift from the traditional approach of an inset sink to an integrated, almost sculptural design.
How did you organize the various work and dining areas?
The layout is based on the concept of continuity. In the work area, the stoneware countertop features a custom sink seamlessly integrated into the surface for maximum hygiene; the ultra-sleek wall cabinets with a sliding-door system eliminate the bulk of hinged doors, streamlining the workflow. The social area is represented by the integrated snack island, which emerges from the main monolith like a natural extrusion, fostering a more dynamic social atmosphere and optimizing the space.
Let’s talk about the materials used and the shades chosen.
I selected materials that enhance the tactile quality and the way light reflects off them: the Soft-Touch lacquers give the surface a silky feel and a visually deep appearance; the stoneware used for the countertop “warms” the design, creating a balance between nature and artifice, since it is not merely a material but a synthesis of technology and nature, as it is derived from natural raw materials transformed through high-temperature processes that increase its strength and density. The use of metals combined with translucent materials, lacquered surfaces, and ceramics conveys visual lightness and structural strength. The design is intended for mass production, utilizing standardized techniques and processes that minimize waste and costs. As for the color scheme, the palette often leans toward neutral, elegant, and timeless tones: warm grays, chalky whites, occasionally punctuated by metallic and textural accents that highlight the curved lines. I used PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, an ethereal, light, almost intangible white. Not a bold color, not a visual statement, but almost a subtraction. Then there is the presence of ribbed glass in the sliding door with an extruded aluminum profile frame: not just a functional solution, but a true design element that operates on two fundamental dimensions: transparency and dynamism. The texture of the glass enhances the sliding system, captures light, and transforms it into a vibration that responds to the environment, altering perception depending on the viewpoint and lighting.
From a functional perspective, how does Virgola address consumer demands and the needs of modern life?
We are witnessing a clear socio-behavioral transformation: the kitchen has become a multitasking space where people work, socialize, and host guests. It is a space for connection, and this evolution is clearly reflected in the design. Virgola responds to the needs and desires of the consumer through more organic design. The kitchen, in this sense, ceases to be a purely technical object and becomes an environment to emotionally inhabit.
What is Virgola’s contribution to low environmental impact, and how does it follow the brand’s green philosophy?
First of all, we have reduced, as much as possible, the components, eliminating handles and decorative overstructures to focus on the essentials. Fewer elements mean fewer materials to produce, assemble, and dispose of. This means choosing consciously. The materials used are eco-compatible: panels with very low formaldehyde emissions and water-based paints that drastically reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds. True sustainability is not just in the production cycle but over time: Virgola is designed to accompany people for decades, opposing the disposable logic. It means optimizing every resource. The production processes at ARAN Cucine are designed to reduce energy waste and enhance wood processing waste, which is recycled and recovered. This approach is supported by internationally recognized certifications and standards (FSC, LEED, ESG).
