Alessi headquarters houses an extensive archive of not only their own repertoire in the market, but includes numerous prototypes, products that were never put into production and other company's products that were found to be relatively similar as their own. Products are neatly organized on rows of moving glass shelves by typology, making navigation throughout the archive easier. To this day, old products are still being referenced to during the design process. Referring to past projects and having collective documentation accessible to the designers of Alessi is crucial as a starting point for new ventures, as reflecting back will act as an aid of continuously maintaining a firm's aesthetics and goals. Self-referencing allows for growth and improvement in the future.
The archive has two functions: it serves as a record for the company and also is presented as a museum for guests. Our class had the privilege of a guided tour and the freedom to browse on our own as well. I found that seeing the assortment of prototypes along with an account enabled a better appreciation for the history. Each product has a story; through our guide’s story-telling we were able to see and connect to each object on an intimate level.
- Justine, Remi, Carmen
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