From industrial float glass to collectible design: the functional light sculptures Baracche, project by artist Paolo Gonzato

In the panorama of the today Expanded Design, the connection design-craft, is promising in the perspective of the development of Creative Industries and economies in Italy. This paper brings the direct experience of intersection between the industrial and standardised material float glass, the creative approach of artist Paolo Gonzato on this material to create unique light glass sculptures and all the process related to them. It will encompass the qualities of the glass and the specific production process that characterize it, with the possibilities related to its functional features. It will investigate the phenomenon of the creative process that sees the transformation of such material from an architectural – construction element to a unique artwork, realised in a craft environment.