beyond conventions

In much of his work, Gianfranco Barban explores new ways of envisioning glass. Inspired by nature, science and technology, he seeks to blend art and design into extraordinary objects. Even though he was trained as an architect, he employs an artisan’s approach and distinctive style. Research into materials and their use is at the heart of every project. As a result, the esthetic is continually evolving in surprising, captivating ways.

What influences your work?

Nature and science have always played an important role in my work. But, above all, the concept of time inspires me. The fourth dimension has been present in all my projects, from a wide variety of flowing surfaces to the continual, fascinating movements of a pendulum clock’s gears. I am interested in objects that experience and shape time, that are enhanced when immersed in its never-ending march forward.

Which design project was the most challenging?

Without a doubt, the Takto Timepieces collection, our pendulum clocks. That’s because clockmaking is an art that combines knowledge, experience based on longstanding traditions and avant-garde technology. It’s a field in which quality, excellence and perfection are incredibly important. With Takto, we have tried to refashion time’s esthetic, and thanks to exemplary craftsmanship, we’ve been able to convey our passion and spirit in products which will be handed down from one generation to the next.

What innovations resulted from this project?

We wanted to restore time’s essence, represented by its movements. This led us to eliminate the clock’s traditional external structure and replace it with a precious glass case through which the gears’ movements are visible. Assembling such a precision instrument required us to research and develop specialized equipment that would make it possible to manufacturer new, original timepieces.

“Teckell creates unique, cutting-edge design pieces with an approach that allows customers around the world to savor the Italian modern Dolce Vita.”

Entirely Made in Italy, the unique pieces in Teckell’s collections travel the world to blend seamlessly into any environment, place, personality and style.

“We are present in every part of the world, thanks to business partners with whom we have established a consolidated relationship over the years, prestigious showrooms and international events, such as trade fairs and niche events in luxury, which give us the honor of being ambassadors of authentic Made in Italy, telling the uniqueness of our craftsmanship and the genius of Italian creativity.”

Time is a precious gift nowadays. This is Teckell’s inspiration for creating objects to interact with in those stolen moments when savoring the good life, alone or in company.

WHAT WAS THE SPARK THAT LED YOU TO CREATE THESE PRODUCTS FOR TECKELL?

We wanted to expand Teckell’s catalogue adding a product that is smaller than those found in the other collections – that is, a design object which is more practical in a certain sense since it can be placed in any setting. But at the same time we wanted to ensure that it upheld Teckell’s image. In fact, Teckell’s tried-and-true materials were our inspiration – marble, glass and steel – which Stratego combines in a single product.

WHAT WAS THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACED WHEN DESIGNING THIS COLLECTION?

Creating a multipurpose object. Stratego had to be not only a chessboard but the base for various board games. All this while hiding from view the mechanism that made it possible. It was important that Stratego have a clean profile without elements breaking up the lines. In this way, you can best appreciate the reflections and the interplay of light created by the combination of different materials.

WHAT INNOVATIONS CAME ABOUT THANKS TO THIS PRODUCT?

We devised a magnetic opening system for the game board, which rests inside the base. This allows you to extract the game board and substitute another without any push-buttons or latches that would’ve broken up the marble base’s minimal lines. Innovation and a ‘less is more’ approach make Teckell’s signature.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TECKELL CREATIONS?

Davide and Gabriele Adriano are brothers, award-winning designers and the founders of Adriano Design. They’ve worked with prestigious national and international companies including Olivetti, Merlo, Scavolini, Meritalia and Fiat’s research center. Over the years, they’ve earned numerous international awards including a Compasso d’Oro (from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design,) iF Product Design Award, Design Plus award, Designpreis Deutschland award (from the German government,) and Good Design Award. They’ve also received prizes in the International Design Competition in Osaka and the Koizumi International Lighting Design Competition. With a broad vision, their design work encompasses and innovates every imaginable type of product.

IN DESIGNING THIS PROJECT, WHAT ASPECT PROVED MOST DIFFICULT?

Designing without limits, taking on the challenge of transforming an everyday object into a luxury item. No one had ever created a glass foosball table. We ran into many problems both designing and creating the table, but this only made the final product all the more exclusive and exceptional.

WHAT INNOVATIONS RESULTED FROM THIS PROJECT?

Many innovations have come to light thanks to Teckell’s foosball tables. The prototype had a body made from a single sheet of glass, a masterpiece both in terms of technology and craftsmanship. The steel plates that attach the legs to the table were bonded directly onto the body. This had never been tried before. The technology inside the table that reduces vibrations was cleverly hidden in order not to interfere with the table’s clean, minimal design. The prototype was so impressive and an innovative wonder that you couldn’t help but fall in love with it at first sight or certainly once you’d played with it. With every new model that comes out, we relive the excitement of creating cutting-edge products.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PIECE?

Being a serious pool player, I have always been intrigued by the idea of creating a glass pool table. I’d been bouncing this idea around in my head for a long time. One day I presented it to Gianfranco who was enthusiastic about it. He believed and trusted in me. Together we were able to make it a reality.

IN DESIGNING THIS PROJECT, WHAT ASPECT PROVED MOST DIFFICULT?

The biggest challenge was to combine the will to preserve the purity of the architecture lines in glass with the need to guarantee the stability of the table and to respect the game’s rules. Pool is a game of thought and concentration, but also an important piece of furniture.

WHAT INNOVATIONS RESULTED FROM THIS PROJECT?

For the realization of T1 we’ve used for example the expandable polymer for the nets and the bumpers. Other technologies have been made available from companies who’ve realized the components with a positive and collaborative spirit, for a great team work.

In 2007, he served as spokesman of the “Muoviti” competition of ideas together with Roberto Giolitto (Fiat 500) and Marco Lambro (Piaggio Mp3). In December 2007, he was included in the Triennial Design Museum at the Milan Triennial, with Ciclò project. His projects have been included in large national and international exhibitions (“The New Italian Design” – Milan/Madrid; “Milan Made in Design” – Peking/Shanghai; “Festival of Creativity” – Florence; DAS Designer after School – Rome).

In 2018, a collaboration with Teckell brand began, resulting in the first exercise bike with an all-glass wheel: Teckell^®® Ciclotte^®. The product has since revolutionized the concept of luxury fitness.

“Teckell Ciclotte is the result of a burning desire to experiment and put to the test the Italian tradition of manufacturing excellence in order to revolutionize objects that combine technology and design. Thus, pure glass serves as the primary material for exercise equipment, dynamic by definition, in which manufacturing perfectionism encounters esthetic minimalism.”

Teckell’s motto “Italian design looks forward” meets Ciclotte’s “Ride on design” in the realization of an object that’s a pure expression of contemporary life, which also embodies the two company’s technological expertise and meticulous craftsmanship.