Nutura

Re-experiencing nature
Benedetta Tagliabue — EMBT Architects

A sinuous and multisensory passage between undulating wood and ceramic walls inspired by 20th century Barcelona architecture.

This pavilion designed by Benedetta Tagliabue – EMBT Architects echoes the essence of the Mediterranean and reflects Roca’s latest collection Nu and Tura, by Spanish designers Inma Bermudez and Andreu Carulla.

Located in Milan University's Cortile d'Onore, reflecting Roca’s global reputation, Nutura perfectly integrates in its surroundings. Built around an imposing Gingko Biloba tree, and slightly raised off the ground, this pavilion can be enjoyed from both inside and outside. Wooden lattices create different levels of transparency and let visitors get a glimpse of the interior. Within, the serpentine passage leads to an open plaza with seating, creating the feeling of being inside a Mediterranean home.

The sense of wellbeing is characteristic of Roca and can also be found in the award-winning collections of Nu, and Tura. Benedetta Tagliabue sought to represent these collections, from which the installation derives its name.

EMBT Architects’ drawings of the shapes of products from both collections are featured on ceramic tiles in tones of blue and brown. Covering the floor of the pavilion, the tiles are produced by Ceràmice Cumella, in collaboration with IAAC (Catalonian Advanced Architecture Institute), combining high technology with the traditional production of ceramics, akin to Roca’s combination of tradition and passion for innovation.

In contrast with the natural and traditional elements, an audiovisual production by the artists Julia Ippolito and Joe Mortell, under the creative direction of the Barcelona-based architect and interior designer, Isern Serra, presents a third bathroom collection, Ona, inspired by nature and simplicity. “Mediterranean Metaverse: an oneiric journey” introduces Ona through a surrealist world of captivating images inspired by the landscape, colours, and light of the Mediterranean.

In harmony with the motto “Re-Evolution” and with a view to environmental sustainability, all the materials that make up the pavilion will be disassembled, recovered, and used in other projects.

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Benedetta Tagliabue. Photo by Toni Ricart.

About Benedetta Tagliabue

Benedetta Tagliabue founded the international studio EMBT Architects in 1994 with Enric Miralles. Based in Barcelona, the studio also has offices in Shanghai and Paris.

Her most notable works include the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Spanish Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo (winner of the RIBA Best International Building 2011 Award), and several projects in Barcelona: Santa Caterina market, Gas Natural Fenosa headquarters, Diagonal Mar Park and Kálida Sant Pau Centre, part of the Maggie’s Centres International Network.

Recent works include the Church and Parish Complex San Giacomo Apostolo in Ferrara (Dedalo Minosse International Award 2022), Ceramiche Ragno showroom in Milan and the ChinaTrust office tower in Taichung. Currently EMBT is engaged in the construction of the Fudan Business School University in Shanghai, metro station Clichy-Montfermeil to Paris (first prize in the competition) and Naples central metro station.

In the academic field, Benedetta Tagliabue is visiting professor at Harvard University, Columbia University and Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona (ETSAB).

She is a member of the jury of prestigious international awards such as the Pritzker Prize (since 2014), the Princesa de Asturias de las Artes, the Loewe Craft Prize, among others. Her work has earned her the RIBA Stirling Prize (2005), the National Spanish Prize (2006), the National Catalan Prize (2002) and the FAD (2000, 2003, 2007).

Tura Collection Design by Andreu Carulla

The Tura Collection, a complete bathroom collection designed by Andreu Carulla Studio, is in dialogue with the pure functionalism of leading 20th century Catalan architects and Roca’s Mediterranean heritage. Its timeless style and architectural shapes combined with warm tones and textures open up the potential for inspired bathroom spaces.

Discover Tura

Nu Collection Design by Studio Inma Bermudez

Nu faucet collection by Studio Inma Bermudez, is a fun and colourful collection that represents a purity of visual expression and a synthesis of essential design elements. Playing with colour and form in new and inventive ways Nu spurs on a world of possibilities and creativity to personalise the bathroom space.

Discover Nu

Related news

Roca returns to Fuorisalone with a pavilion by Benedetta Tagliabue – EMBT Architects re-experiencing nature and paying tribute to 20th century Barcelona architecture

17.04.2023. Nutura can be visited from the 17th to 26th of April in the courtyard of the Università degli Studi di Milano (Via Festa del Perdono 7) within the framework of Fuorisalone 2023 as part of the Interni Design Re-Evolution exhibition event.

Benedetta Tagliabue’s Nutura pavilion showcases Roca’s latest collections at Milan Design Week.

31.03.2023. After a successful previous edition, Roca returns to the prestigious Milan Furniture Fair.