Oltre la Soglia by Gio Latis STUDIO | Ostuni Design Weekend 2024 | Arazzi Contemporanei

"Oltre la Soglia," both a metaphorical and physical threshold, was the centerpiece of an extraordinary installation presented during the inaugural Ostuni Design Weekend in June 2024.

Designed by Giovanna Latis in collaboration with Scaffsystem, Officine Tamborrino, and i-Mesh, marks a physical boundary within the abbey through a portal aesthetically inspired by the Japanese Torii. At the center of the portal, the “Riflessioni Cielo Mare" tapestry from the Arazzi Contemporanei collection acts as a dynamic, mobile visual filter between the human being and the surrounding space.

The portal’s proportions align with the architectural features of the cloister, reflecting the stone columns and the width of the arches. This site-specific installation opens new possibilities for interpreting the local artistic and cultural landscape through textile design that is seamlessly integrated with the historical context. The delicate balance of lights and shadows created by the installation also evokes the energy balance intrinsic to bioclimatic architecture.

Curated by Paola Silva Coronel, the Ostuni edition of Design Weekend drew inspiration from astrophysics, focusing on the “singularity of space” to emphasize the uniqueness of places. In Ostuni, this singularity is manifested through its hospitality, the hidden beauty of its whitewashed alleys, and the village’s commitment to sustainability, making the Itria Valley one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Italy, Europe, and beyond.

Due to the enthusiasm generated, the “Oltre la Soglia” installation at the Cloister of San Francesco, originally intended for the duration of the event, remained open throughout the summer. The portal, constructed from perforated steel beams painted red by Scaffsystem, integrates perfectly with the cloister’s geometries. Suspended beneath the vaulted ceiling, the “Riflessioni Cielo Mare tapestry, crafted with mineral fibers and i-Mesh technology, adds an ethereal touch, embodying lightweight and versatile properties.

Supported by ADI and the Brindisi Order of Architects, Ostuni Design Weekend highlighted how the White City can be a hub of culture, design, and architectural innovation. By extending the installation’s stay, Ostuni reaffirms its commitment to hosting events that celebrate local traditions while projecting a future rich in creativity, sustainability, and energy-saving solutions, all encapsulated in the installation’s zero-waste philosophy and the versatility of materials.

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