CREDITS:

Leading University: Politecnico di Torino (DIST + DAD + China Room research group)
Other Institution: Turin Chamber of Commerce
Project Grant: Turin Chamber of Commerce
Funding: €94.513
Period: 2019-ongoing
Principal Investigators: Michele Bonino and Francesca Frassoldati
Research Fellows: Francesco Carota, Ling Xiang, Francesca La Monaca
Partners: Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce, Calibro Zero, Gianmarco Cavagnino, Arcos Interior, Istituto Europeo del Design
Companies: 13 Ricrea, 3D Legno, Agena S.r.l., Alessandra Scarfò Design, Atelier Caruso, Bellanda S.r.l., Boschis 1913 S.r.l., C.I.S.L.A. S.r.l. – HFB, Cavallaro Casa S.n.c., Cnamole Design, Consorzio Saluzzo Arreda, Covema Vernici, Dorodesign, Expo S.r.l., FAP Ceramiche, FAP2 S.n.c., Ferrerolegno S.p.a., Frank&Frank, Ghi Group, Il Giardino di Legno, Lucifero Illuminazione, Maison Claire, Marzia Boaglio, Masserano, Metaldesigner, Nuova Osmo S.r.l., Pininfarina Architecture, Quadrilatero S.r.l., Rubinetteria Giulini Giovanni S.r.l., Sea & Symphony S.r.l., Skin New Design Ciffo X Sargomma, Testatonda, Thalia Industrial Design, Vistadipunto

The “Piemonte Home Design” initiative, devised and coordinated by the Turin Chamber of Commerce, stands as a comprehensive business development program encompassing 32 Piedmontese companies within the home sector, all committed to penetrating the market landscape of China. The central aim of this initiative is to strategically position these enterprises within foreign markets, employing an examination of their product potential across the targeted regions.

The coordinated collaboration among universities, institutions, and project partners aims to highlight the exceptional quality of Piedmontese craftsmanship on a global scale. This effort is instrumental in cultivating an international presence and reputation for the participating companies, thanks to the insights uncovered by the researchers involved. Politecnico di Torino and China Room collaborate in conducting an analytical-exploratory survey delineating the intricacies of the real estate market in China. This research unravels the foundational macroeconomic dynamics and the relevant institutional framework governing the industry. It identifies market trends, pivotal stakeholders, and the intricate dynamics that shape their interactions. This comprehensive approach involves employing analytical and interpretative tools, analyzing a carefully chosen selection of residential interventions developed over the past decade, and conducting interviews with leading design studios active in China. The findings from these case studies will be synthesized into a compelling book showcasing exemplary architecture that accurately reflects current market trends.

With a thorough understanding of standard market practices and competitive factors, the project aims to devise housing solutions that synergistically and coherently integrate regional productions.
Through critical reflection, Politecnico di Torino is tasked with designing a model house composed of Piedmontese productions explicitly tailored for the Chinese market. This initiative led to the creation of the “Plug-in House,” a modular residential solution challenging traditional notions of domestic space. Launched in 2020, this model highlights the versatility of interchangeable internal components, encompassing bathroom, kitchen, and storage areas. These Plug-in elements serve as activators within domestic spaces, fostering harmonious and proactive coexistence by integrating physical space with activities. The concept of efficient capsules condensing domestic space can influence perceptions of current and future living environments, catering to the needs of the Chinese market.
Moreover, the research activities associated with Piemonte Home Design aim to engage Chinese developers to facilitate the transfer of Piedmontese products and skills to the Chinese market. This initiative has resulted in establishing two PhD scholarships, forging new agreements with local companies, a partnership between the Polytechnic and Guangdong Overseas Architecture Design Institute Co., Ltd., and opportunities for foreign studios to visit the local territory.