The Production System of the Lago Factory

Lago factory, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

The Lago manufactory is serious business. They take heavy consideration of the processes as well as the environment in which their employees work in to maximum quality and efficiency - that is, they take both a micro and macro approach. Unlike many common factories built with concrete, the Lago factory is constructed completely with wood and a lot of glass windows, allowing natural sunlight to fill the factory. The company strongly believes that, "a nice environment has a reflection on the product." I completely agree with this, as experience tells me a person's emotions can greatly influence the quality of their work.

Bisazza (Video)

Bisazza Showroom, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th 2011





- Alan, Michelle, Lindsay

Interpretation of Anish Kapoor

Anish Kapoor moves through space and encounters matter in a continuous process of experimentation, interacting with his environment, seeking to generate sensations and perceptual dislocations that will bring each person different and perhaps unexpected meanings. ~City of Milan

At the very centre of the Rotonda della Besana is a self-creating volume working as a whole. The volume of wax would not exist without the mechanical arm and the blade that shapes it, just as the mechanical arm and the blade have no purpose other than to shape the wax. ~Gianni Mercurio and Demetrio Paparoni

Anish Kapoor’s art invites us to change the way we interpret matter. This is our interpretation.

Lago's Production Evolution

Lago Studios, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th

Top view of Lago's manufacturing facility

What started as a small Italian furniture company producing basic wooden furniture in dark colours, Lago, which has only recently become a publicly listed company in 2006, has exhibited enormous growth.

Lago: Adapting Manufacturing Systems

At Lago, we were given a tour of its factory by Diego Paccagnella, Lago’s art director. Throughout the tour, he made it clear that design is not only apparent in its products, but also in the production process. They practice a system called lean production which is strictly followed in all areas of the plant. Manufacturing and distribution processes are reorganized in order to maximize efficiency.

A separate ‘lean office’ houses four employees whose focus is solely on developing this practice. Different sectors are orchestrated to work together so that flow is optimized. Although their regime is closely followed, it is still considered flexible because they implement changes for the more efficiency. The design of lean production is constantly monitored; each station is videotaped and work ethics are analyzed after.

Here are some examples of what they've done: 

FASHION FROM FLOOR TO CEILING

Bisazza, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th, 2011


On June 14th we visited the luxury glass mosaic company, Bisazza. They opened in 1956 in northern Italy and today are known for their modern take on mosaics. The aim of Bisazza’s brand strategy is to express a unique style that interprets the classic in a modern way and combines fashion and design. To me, this close connection to fashion was one of the most interesting things about the company. In their main lobby they had posters from one particular campaign that really caught my attention.

LAGO Appartamento Project

Lago has established an interesting marketing strategy to promote their company identity and products. In 2009 they introduced a pilot project to create a living showroom showcased at the Milan Design Week. Lago completely furnished an apartment with their products. Realizing their concept of living and working in one social space with visitors, employees and journalists, all interacting within an enclosed environment. The project was a success and they continue to expanding on this concept. Currently, with several apartments located in Europe and at each location, a different tenant occupies the apartment.

Investing in Young Designers

Lago Studio, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 & Fabrice, Venice - Wednesday June 15th, 2011

 

The library and outdoor terrace at Fabrica - places to get the creative juices flowing.

Throughout our Grand Tour of Italian design, many of us have noticed that a good portion of this country's designers are from an older generation. Many of the studios and offices we visited were well established and widely known firms. We began asking, "Where are the young designers in Italy?" Our visits to Lago and Fabrica not only answered our question, it also left us with a satisfied feeling that as young designers, we have chances of creative freedom before setting out into the working world.

Lago - Creative Communication

Lago showroom and factory, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th, 2011


Image 1 - Kitchen image from the Lago catalogue.

Lago is a furniture company situated near Venice which tries to inject creativity into everything that they do. Lago started 30 years ago as a small family wood carpentry workshop and has expanded to a company with 180 employees and 35 million Euros in sales last year. They attribute this success to their efficient product production methods, innovative marketing and sales strategies and fresh ideas which come from young designers.

More Than Just Products: Making of a Successful Business

Lago, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th

During this trip, we visited many leading furniture and lighting manufacturers. It was great walking through beautiful showrooms and hearing stories behind successful product. However, what stood out for me the most was our visit to the Lago office in Venice.

Bisazza: Renovation of cultural traditions

Bisazza Showroom, Venice - Tuesday, June 14th 2011

Marco Bettiol describes Italian design as one that is leveraged on manufacturing excellence with a focus on aesthetics. By concentrating their efforts on fabricating luxury products with high craft and precision, Bisazza continues to be the world-leading manufacturer of glass mosaic products.