At Ascale, we are celebrating a significant accolade on the international design scene: ‘Catharsis’, Simona Garufi’s proposal for Marbella Design & Art 2023 – in which we participated – has been awarded the Silver Award in the Architectural Design category at the Italy International Design Awards (IIDA).

This award recognises an installation that stood out for its ability to transform space into a sensory and participatory experience, exploring new forms of interaction between the user and architecture.

An immersive experience inspired by post-dramatic theatre

Inspired by post-dramatic theatre, Catharsis was conceived as an immersive environment in which visitors ceased to be passive observers and became an active part of the space.

The project created an immersive experience through the interaction of video art, sound and dynamic lighting, the latter controlled by home automation systems. This combination generated a constantly evolving sensory narrative, where each stimulus helped to redefine the perception of the environment.

The result was a space capable of connecting with the viewer on an emotional level, inviting them to experience the architecture from a completely different perspective.

International recognition for contemporary design

On 25 March, Simona Garufi officially received this award, cementing Catharsis’s international standing following its presentation at Marbella Design & Art.

The Italy International Design Awards recognise projects that stand out for their innovation, creativity and excellence across various design disciplines, establishing Catharsis as a benchmark in contemporary architectural design.

Get involved in projects that redefine space

For Ascale, being part of initiatives such as Catharsis means continuing to promote a vision of design where materials, technology and creativity come together to create unique experiences.

We believe in an approach that goes beyond the functional to explore the potential of space as a medium for expression, emotion and interaction. Projects such as this reflect our commitment to innovation and collaboration on initiatives that set trends within the sector.

Design, emotion and innovation

The Catharsis award not only recognises a specific installation, but also a way of understanding architecture as an open discipline, capable of engaging with other art forms and creating memorable experiences.

In a context where the boundaries between design, art and technology are becoming increasingly blurred, continuing to be involved in this type of project represents, for Ascale, a clear commitment to the future of space.

Find out more about the project

You can find out more about Catharsis on Simona Garufi’s website:
https://simonagarufi.com/portfolio-item/catharsis/