Timeless Furniture Collection Pays Respect to the Passing of Time
In the heart of Piacenza, Italy, the impressive former church space of Volumnia is currently hosting an exhibition that is a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity in contemporary design - Le Forme del Tempo by designer David Dolcini.
David Dolcini, a certified carpenter in Japan, is renowned for his furniture and design works that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. His latest collection, the Time-made collection, draws inspiration from Japanese carpentry techniques, showcasing intricate joinery without the need for nails or screws, emphasizing precision and durability.
The Time-made collection typically sources carefully selected wood, favoring quality and sustainability. One such piece, the Spina chair, from Dolcini's collection, is on display at the exhibition. Its construction is a testament to the designer's philosophy - that a true carpenter should be able to build their own tools.
The exhibition features a 37-piece series that remains soft and contemplative, inviting reflection. Among these pieces, the Supino mirror, designed for precise 45-degree angle cuts, required the creation of a custom tool. Another standout piece is the Tralci rug, handmade in India, which echoes the clean lines of Dolcini's timber sculptures. The lines on the Tralci rug are made of wool and silk, adding a touch of luxury to the muted tones of fir, oak, and cedar wood that fill the space.
Dolcini's research project and the Time-made collection were birthed during the pandemic, reflecting a shift towards a more contemplative and thoughtful approach to design. The exhibition runs from March 29th to May 24th, 2025, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in this harmonious atmosphere created by the designer's works.
The Time-made collection has been exhibited at prestigious venues like the Triennale di Milano, a major site for design exhibitions in Milan, Italy. Similarly, exhibitions in Volumnia have showcased these works, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity in Dolcini’s approach.
The Covid-19 pandemic started in Italy, where David Dolcini is from. In 2020, he spent time honing his skills as a craftsman, adopting a Japanese technique for cutting wood, pulling instead of pushing, to achieve straight lines. This attention to detail is evident in every piece of the Time-made collection, making it a must-see for design enthusiasts.
The Radia wall hanging, made in collaboration with Arflex, is another piece that showcases Dolcini's innovative design approach. Featuring a new bronze effect, it adds a touch of elegance to the exhibition space.
In conclusion, the Time-made collection by David Dolcini is a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, showcasing the beauty of wood and the precision of Japanese carpentry techniques. The exhibition at Volumnia offers a unique opportunity to experience this fusion firsthand.
The Time-made collection by David Dolcini, showcased at Volumnia, is a testament to the intersection of traditional Japanese carpentry and contemporary design, making it a perfect embodiment of lifestyle and home-and-garden trends that emphasize a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition in interior-design. The Supino mirror, one of the pieces on display, reflects this ideology with its precise 45-degree cuts and the custom tool necessary for its creation.
