Architecture News

URBI et ORBI, a design studio located in Athens, challenges traditional perceptions of concrete. Instead of viewing it as merely a rigid industrial substance, they delve into its inherent organic characteristics through rigorous creative exploration. By combining foundational natural components such as crushed rock, sand, and water with specialized methods like layered color applications and novel material pairings, the studio crafts objects that introduce a sense of inviting, tangible flexibility to both residential and commercial spaces.

Established in 2012, URBI et ORBI's collections result from a close collaboration between skilled craftspeople and innovative designers. They interpret raw materials through the cultural lens of the Mediterranean, drawing inspiration from local heritage and human artistry. The studio's entire operational process is underscored by a profound dedication to environmental stewardship, ensuring that their concrete creations are not only durable but also designed to reintegrate with nature at the end of their useful life. This cyclical philosophy is epitomized by their Zero Waste Project, initiated in 2020. This initiative meticulously reclaims all internal industrial waste from their workshop. Substantial concrete fragments are pulverized to serve as substitutes for conventional gravel and aggregates, while sophisticated dust collection systems capture airborne particles generated during cutting and grinding, repurposing them as fine fillers in new material compositions. Through this mechanical recycling loop, the final products contain between 20% and 80% recycled components, resulting in a distinctly contemporary and unpredictable surface texture.

Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Concrete Craft

URBI et ORBI, an Athenian design studio, is at the forefront of redefining concrete's role in contemporary design. Moving beyond its conventional industrial applications, they explore the material's inherent organic qualities, crafting unique objects that bring warmth and tactile appeal to various environments. Their innovative approach involves blending elemental earth-derived components with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as stratified coloring and imaginative material combinations. This commitment is underpinned by a strong ethos of environmental responsibility, ensuring that their creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also embody a philosophy of longevity and ecological reintegration, minimizing their footprint from creation to decomposition.

The studio's dedication to sustainable practices is vividly demonstrated through its Zero Waste Project, launched in 2020. This initiative is a comprehensive strategy to reclaim 100% of industrial waste generated within their facilities. Concrete debris is meticulously crushed and repurposed as a replacement for traditional aggregates, while fine dust from sawing and grinding operations is captured and reused as filler in new material formulations. This closed-loop system allows URBI et ORBI to incorporate significant percentages of recycled content—ranging from 20% to 80%—into their final products. This not only reduces waste but also yields distinctive, contemporary textures, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into a valuable resource, thus showcasing a forward-thinking approach to material lifecycle management and circular design principles.

Innovative Design Objects with a Regenerative Focus

Many of URBI et ORBI's most renowned designs exemplify their experimental and circular design methodology. For instance, the Saroma side table, conceived by Greek designer Sotiris Lazou, ingeniously incorporates the daily ritual of sweeping into its physical form. This piece features an unconventional material fusion, embedding authentic fibers from traditional straw brooms directly into its textured concrete surface, creating a unique narrative and tactile experience. This illustrative example highlights the studio's commitment to exploring novel material combinations and their ability to imbue everyday objects with deeper meaning and sustainable integrity.

The exploration of cultural material layering continues with the Legante table series, developed by CTRLZAK Studio. In these designs, mineral fragments and broken pieces from local marble and ceramic workshops are meticulously collected and then embedded within a fluid concrete matrix. This process results in a raw, upcycled interpretation of classic terrazzo, celebrating material history and reducing waste. Complementing this, Italian designer Sara Ricciardi's Oikos side table draws inspiration from Mediterranean architectural forms. Rendered in muted, sun-bleached earth tones, this piece utilizes zero-waste manufacturing techniques to integrate terrazzo accents, transforming ancient structural motifs into modern, circularly produced monolithic objects. These designs collectively underscore URBI et ORBI’s innovative spirit in transforming waste into valuable, aesthetically compelling creations.

At the recent Miller Motorcars 50th Anniversary festivities, the automotive world witnessed the grand unveiling of the JC9, a singular coach-built supercar conceptualized and brought to life by the visionary designer Jason Castriota. This remarkable vehicle, crafted as an exclusive commission in partnership with Miller Motorcars, offers a fresh perspective on the glorious era of endurance racing, seamlessly fusing nostalgic charm with avant-garde styling. It draws its mechanical essence from the legendary Porsche Carrera GT, conscientiously preserving the donor car's revered naturally aspirated V10 power plant and engaging manual gearbox. The JC9 is enveloped in an entirely new carbon fiber shell, a testament to its lightweight construction and Castriota's ninth significant automotive creation, from which it derives its designation.

Jason Castriota's JC9: A Homage to Racing Heritage Reimagined

The genesis of the JC9's design is deeply rooted in the racing prototypes that dominated endurance circuits from the 1960s through the 1980s. Its sculpted form factor meticulously embraces the Carrera GT's chassis, resulting in a low-slung, aerodynamic silhouette distinguished by gracefully flowing fender lines, deep-set side air intakes, and an assertive rear wing. These elements collectively evoke the dynamic presence of historic Le Mans contenders. Adorned in a subtle pale blue finish, elegantly contrasted by a vibrant orange central stripe, the JC9 not only pays homage to classic racing liveries but also asserts its own distinct visual identity.

A striking contemporary feature at the vehicle's front are its vertically stacked LED illumination units, which replace traditional headlight designs, imbuing the car with a modern and unmistakable signature. The extended front section, the teardrop-shaped cabin, and the sharply tapering rear volume all contribute to an impression of inherent velocity, even when the car is at rest. The extensive integration of carbon fiber throughout the construction ensures minimal weight, guaranteeing uncompromising performance characteristics.

Instead of embarking on a design from a blank canvas, Jason Castriota skillfully utilized the Porsche Carrera GT as both a mechanical foundation and an inspirational cornerstone. The Carrera GT, widely celebrated as one of the most iconic analog supercars ever produced, provides its renowned six-speed manual transmission and naturally aspirated V10 engine, which remain untouched beneath the JC9's redesigned exterior. This strategic choice results in an automobile that harmoniously combines the visceral driving experience of a classic early 2000s supercar with a visual narrative deeply inspired by motorsport heritage.

The custom-tailored interior further extends this personalized approach, featuring exquisitely crafted blue Alcantara-clad bucket seats, distinctive plaid inserts, visible carbon fiber elements, and an array of lightweight details. The cockpit masterfully balances race-inspired functionality with artisanal finishes, reflecting the bespoke, coach-built nature of the entire endeavor.

The global unveiling of the JC9 was a highlight of Miller Motorcars' 'Legends' event, where it was proudly displayed alongside a curated selection of Jason Castriota's most influential automotive works. Throughout his distinguished career, Castriota has been instrumental in shaping iconic projects such as the Ferrari P4/5, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati Birdcage 75th, SSC Tuatara, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Bertone Mantide, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in automotive design.

The launch of the JC9 reminds us of the profound impact that dedicated designers and skilled artisans can have on the automotive landscape. By taking a revered classic like the Porsche Carrera GT and infusing it with a modern interpretation inspired by racing history, Castriota has not merely created another car; he has crafted a rolling sculpture that speaks to the heart of automotive enthusiasts. This project underscores the enduring allure of analog driving experiences and the timeless appeal of elegant design. It challenges us to appreciate how innovation can honor tradition, proving that the future of automotive excellence can still draw heavily from the rich tapestry of its past.