The Riva collection is a set of nature-inspired designs by Patricia Urquiola for CIMENTO is a poetic furniture lineup unveiled at Milano Design Week that channels the movement of water through sculpted forms with softened edges. The range includes consoles, coffee tables, sideboards, cabinets, and vases, all textured with wave-like irregularities that evoke the organic flow of rivers or breaking waves. Urquiola’s intent is clear: translate the mutable rhythms of nature into architectural home furnishings that surprise both visually and to the touch. Each module is modular yet dynamic, featuring handcrafted curves that invite tactile exploration and depart from rigid geometry.
Central to the collection’s ethos is sustainability. The pieces use CIMENTO’s cement-based composite made with over 90% mineral aggregates, primarily sourced from repurposed quarry by-products. This supports circular design while minimizing environmental impact. Certified carbon neutral since 2022, CIMENTO aligns Urquiola’s aesthetic vision with responsible production, using FSC and PEFC-compliant materials and exploring innovative CO₂ offsets like microalgae cultivation. The result is functional art that feels grounded, fluid, and intentionally made.
Image Credit: CIMENTO, Patricia Urquiola, Alessandro Paderni
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Sustainable Design Practices
- The Riva collection exemplifies sustainable design by using over 90% mineral aggregates, reflecting a growing trend towards circular economies in furniture production.
- Nature-inspired Aesthetics
- Translating the dynamic flow of water into furniture, this trend taps into consumers' desire for organic, calming home environments that authentically connect with nature.
- Modular Home Furnishings
- Modular yet dynamic designs, like those in the Riva collection, cater to the flexible and evolving needs of modern living spaces with adaptable and customizable pieces.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Innovative materials, such as CIMENTO's cement-based composite, are transforming furniture manufacturing by prioritizing environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers are increasingly incorporating nature-inspired elements, offering opportunities for immersive and tranquil environments that mirror natural landscapes.
- Eco-friendly Materials
- The use of repurposed quarry by-products heralds a shift in the materials industry towards developing eco-friendly composites and sustainable production methods.
