Article: AL13: Material as a Cultural Expression
AL13: Material as a Cultural Expression
Last Thursday, October 15, RS Barcelona hosted AL13: Material as a Cultural Expression, together with Cubiñá and Interior Contraportada magazine, as part of Barcelona Design Week. Cubiñá’s showroom, located in the stunning Casa Thomas, provided the setting for this gathering of design professionals and enthusiasts, who came together for a dialogue with Luca Nichetto about the creative journey behind AL13, the new pool table designed for RS Barcelona. A dialogue about materials, experimentation, collaboration, and the importance of taking risks to explore new ways of thinking about design.
Every design has a story to tell. A conversation between ideas, materials, and people. During the talk, Luca Nichetto shared the “odyssey” behind AL13, a project driven by research, curiosity, and a constant desire to explore, turning an idea into something tangible.
The designer reflected on a three-year development journey, the technical and creative challenges along the way, and the excitement of seeing an idea take shape for the very first time. “I find that first moment magical, when you see your idea become an object, even if it’s not perfect yet,” Nichetto explained, recalling the surprise of seeing the first prototype and the beauty of the material that brought the pool table to life.
The conversation explored how materials and proportions go beyond their technical purpose to become a language of their own, capable of expressing culture, identity, and emotion. It also celebrated the trials, mistakes, and unexpected discoveries that make every creative journey unique. “Without taking risks, you’ll never be able to create something that truly says something different. Making mistakes is part of learning,” Nichetto said, embracing learning by doing as an essential part of his creative approach.
He also highlighted the importance of finding collaborators who share that mindset: “When we’re willing to take risks and have a partner like RS Barcelona, who gives us the freedom to do so and supports us along the way, that’s when something truly genuine comes to life.”
More than just a new product presentation, AL13: Material as a Cultural Expression was an opportunity to celebrate design as a constantly evolving process, where craftsmanship, expertise, research, and collaboration come together to shape new ideas.
An encounter that reflected a shared vision of design: exploring fearlessly, challenging conventions, and creating objects that go beyond their function, bringing together play, design, art, and material.
