
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Gaia Vitali – Vela
by Gaia Vitali
Vela is a wooden structure designed to be installed in the Ticino River, which is currently undergoing renaturation. Intended for the newly designated swimming areas, Vela invites people to step into the water and experience the river during its calmer moments. Its backrest-like shape is welcoming and offers an immersive pause in the heart of nature. But the Ticino can suddenly become dangerous: when the current strengthens, Vela opens up to reveal colorful signage that warns of the risk. It is an object that combines comfort and safety, designed to bring people closer to the river in a simple, intuitive, and responsible way.