The resounding success of the second edition of Bologna Water Design, which close after considerable attendance by the public, attests to contemporary interest in the culture of fine living and the new way to live.

A positive and outstanding result especially for what used to be the Ospedale dei Bastardini on via D’Azeglio, an architectural gem hidden in the heart of the historic center, which opened its unusual space to installations, arrangements, captivating backdrops for design products and collections: an ensemble of exhibitions produced with the collaboration of well known designers from leading companies invited to represent the entrepreneurial culture of Italy.

A scintillating inaugural evening attracted more than 600 visitors to the Stonescape installation by Kengo Kuma for Agape, Il Casone and Mapei.

Water, universal symbol of reflection and unifying element of the whole initiative, led the way, as dazzled spectators moved through the space, admiring the elegant bathroom fixtures of Agape installed between the harmonious, stratified dunes made of Forte Fiorentina stone from Il Casone, made possible by the unobtrusive but essential technology of Mapei.

Kengo Kuma, as always, showed that he knows how to display the design of unusual bathroom fixtures – from Angelo Mangiarotti for sinks and Giampaolo Benedini for bathtubs – with fluid lines and lyric pedestals.

As a famous and highly anticipated guest, Philippe Daverio opened the exhibition with his usual eloquence, using curious anecdotes and intriguing ironies to tell the story of bathrooms. Through the use of mere words, his narrative evoked vivid images of the past to communicate a positive message of trust in the interior design of today.

A large and unending flow of visitors to the exhibition in successive days triggered discussions and debates among architects, architectural specialists, city officials and creative producers from all over the world, involving, among others, residents of Bologna itself.

A positive sign, of comfort and encouragement, especially in the economic climate that currently prevails in Italy.

Thanks as well to its special quality, the Cersaie fair – with Bologna Water Design, as an “off-fair” Bologna exhibition – provided an important participative stimulus within the urban fabric, reaffirming the complementarity of the event which served to enrich and highlight the content of the exhibition.