Cecilia Moltani Cecilia is a freelance writer with an academic background in philosophy who accidentally fell into writing about design Iris Ceramica Group Graniti Fiandre Iosa Ghini Associati finding a balance between work hours and personal time has become increasingly difficult The lines between professional and private life have never been so blurred it also offers an opportunity to rethink how we design our workspaces Office design is undergoing a profound transformation: it’s no longer just about desks it’s about creating environments that blend collaborative spaces This philosophy was expertly realized by Iosa Ghini Associati in their redesign of Fiandre’s historic headquarters in Castellarano (RE) the high-end ceramic surfaces Brand of Iris Ceramica Group housed in a striking 2,400 m2 building spread across three floors these pioneering photocatalytic ceramics boast advanced properties The patented photocatalytic process of Active Surfaces® continuously breaks down harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) purifying the air both inside the building and in the surrounding environment This process is activated by light and humidity ensuring effectiveness even under artificial lighting a healthier atmosphere and a more sustainable architectural approach We need to be able to live our everyday spaces safely and freely This is why the choice of materials can make a difference Active Surfaces® not only hold great design value but also innovatively respond to our need for safety and well-being it combines durability with superior functionality offering long-term benefits with minimal upkeep and a relaxed lounge area that opens onto a garden the basement features Pietra Grey Maximum and Seminato Beige from the Il Veneziano collection while the Pulsar full-bodied surfaces collection adorns the reception area complemented by Active Surfaces® Venetian terrazzo selected for the bar area furnishings functional reception area that provides access to additional offices and meeting rooms The space is divided into three zones: the reception desk and two waiting areas Both the desk and the sculptural backdrops are crafted from Sapienstone using Iris Ceramica Group’s cutting-edge 4D Ceramics technology to seamlessly integrate surface design with the body of the slab In the office spaces, the interplay of durable materials like porcelain stoneware and transparent glass creates a harmonious atmosphere. “The glass partition walls allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building,” says the architect Massimo Iosa Ghini “extending the sense of spaciousness and creating deep while ensuring sound insulation through glass partitions with high acoustic efficiency.” All the wall units feature sections covered in a different shade of the Marmi Maximum collection all the desks are covered in 12 mm Sapienstone Platinum White Active Surfaces® The tables of the HQ’s meeting rooms are made of Sapienstone 4D ceramics outfitted with advanced lighting control systems and polarized windows intelligent system developed by Iris Ceramica Group this integrated system of sensors and touch controls ensures optimal lighting eliminating the need for external switches or plates and preserving the purity of the design offices started to resemble our homes more than ever not just in terms of atmosphere or furnishings but also in how we perceive surfaces – can I safely sit on this chair This is why it’s more important than ever to carefully consider the materials we choose when designing and building our spaces While the social distancing measures imposed by the pandemic are now behind us safe surfaces is far from over.   What if design could be the decisive key to combating viruses and bacteria as demonstrated by Fiandre’s Active Surfaces® the focus on materials has evolved from a secondary concern to a crucial one is no longer just an aesthetic pursuit; it’s a practical response to silent yet urgent challenges a way to make the invisible visible.   get to know the most interesting Design trends & innovations (Innovative StartUp) Registered office: Via Aurelio Saffi 29 20123 Milan (Italy)  |  VAT no.: 10565330965  |  ROC no.: 36152  |  REA no.: MI-2541466  |  Share capital: 12.540€ THE WORLD’S FIRST CERAMIC SLAB MADE FROM GREEN HYDROGEN HAS BEEN PRODUCED The creation of the first 4D technical ceramic slab using green hydrogen – hydrogen obtained with renewable energy – and natural gas has been announced by Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next 1,6m wide and 12mm thick; it is characterised for its four dimensions – and for this reason called 4D Ceramics – in which at the three-dimensionality of the material and the vein crossing the entire thickness of the slab, the fourth dimension of sustainability is added The ceramic industry’s decarbonization process is being carried out jointly by Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next and this is a pioneering industrial process that represents the first concrete result Read the Press Release for more details. IRIS CERAMICA GROUP AND EDISON NEXT FOR H2 FACTORY®: THE FIRST CERAMICS PLANT POWERED BY GREEN HYDROGEN Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next have announced the signature of an agreement for the development of H2 Factory™: a production facility in Castellarano (RE) that will run on green hydrogen produced on-site using a cutting-edge custom-designed system innovative project aimed at the decarbonisation of Italy’s ceramics industry with green hydrogen produced on-site an initiative that paves the way for the decarbonisation of a particularly “hard-to-abate” industry a decisive step in achieving energy transition targets in the country and in this strategic area for the industry great determination and faith in the virtuous process of decarbonisation are just some of the key elements put in place to implement the first “green” ceramics factory Edison Next will produce an ecological hydrogen production plant employing electrolysis The electrolyser will use rainwater collected in tanks promoting virtuous water cycle management consistently with the principles of the circular economy The project also flanks the existing rooftop photovoltaic panels with another 1.2 MW photovoltaic installation The agreement with Edison Next represents a significant step on the path toward decarbonisation for Iris Ceramica Group with the possibility of other hydrogen-powered plants being installed in the Group’s other production facilities in future Read the Press Release. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the tactile stimulation of the perigenital region together with manual bladder expression (MBE) facilitated the urine stream in cats with acute or chronic upper motor neuron injury (UMNI) 34 cats with UMNI having urinary retention All the cats had a complete neurologic examination which determined the localization of the UMNI between T3 and L3 They were classified as chronic UMNI if the injury had occurred more than 3 days previously The cats were divided equally into 2 groups: the M group (n = 17) managed with only MBE and the MT group (17) managed with MBE and tactile stimulation all the cats affected by chronic UMNI resumed urination The time required to obtain a urine stream in the chronic UMNI was 9.3 seconds in the M group and 3.1 seconds in the MT group (P < .05) a urine stream was achieved in 54% of the M group and 100% of the MT group (P < .05) The time to obtain a urine stream in the acute UMNI cats was 7.8 seconds in the M group and 3.75 seconds in the MT group (P < .05) Adding tactile stimulation of the perigenital region to the MBE improved the urine stream in cats affected by UMNI there is an areflexic bladder with complete urinary retention The acute phase is followed by a recovery phase during which significant reorganization occurs in the spinal cord confirming the neuroplasticity of the nervous system The literature reports that, within 2 to 12 weeks following spinal cord injury, a bladder-to-bladder spinal excitatory reflex emerges.3–5 This reflex can initiate automatic micturition in chronic paraplegic patients by afferent unmyelinated C-fibers The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adding tactile stimulation of the perigenital region to manual bladder expression (MBE) could facilitate the urine stream in cats with acute and chronic UMNI The Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size The P value was set at .5 with a 95% confidence level It was performed in compliance with institutional guidelines for research on animals and approved by the ethical committee of Parma University (Prot Informed consent was obtained from owners before enrolling their cats in the study The M group and the MT group were assayed with backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis to test their interaction with the following variables: sex The differences in the results of a urine stream (namely presence or absence) after bladder expression (ie induction or absence of micturition) were tested via the χ2 test The interval between bladder expression and the beginning of the urine stream was evaluated via the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for unpaired data The 17 cats that were in the M group (n = 17; 9 males [3 neutered] and 8 females [3 spayed]; age [mean ± SD] 11 out of 17 cats were affected by acute UMNI and 6 out of 17 were affected by chronic UMNI (the chronic patients had a spinal injury present from 8 days to 5 months) The MT group underwent both MBE and tactile stimulation of the perigenital region (n = 17; 10 males [4 neutered] and 7 females [1 spayed]; age [mean ± SD] 12 out of 17 cats were affected by acute UMNI and 5 out of 17 were affected by chronic UMNI (in this group the spinal trauma was reported from 1.5 months to 4 months) In the cats affected by acute UMNI, urine stream response was observed in 6 out of the 11 cats in the M group and 12 out of 12 cats in the MT group (P > .05). In the cats affected by chronic UMNI, urine stream response was observed in all 6 cats in the M group and all 5 cats in the MT group (Figure 1) Figure 1Percentage of cats affected by acute or chronic upper motor neuron injury that presented a urine stream after manual bladder expression (MBE; M group; n = 17) and MBE and tactile stimulation of the perigenital region (MT group; 17) b = Significant differences (P < .05) within a group y = Significant differences (P < .05) between groups Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 3; 10.2460/javma.23.08.0446 The time (in seconds) between the MBE and the beginning of the urine stream was reduced by tactile stimulation in acute UMNI (3.7 ± 2.0 seconds vs 7.8 ± 3.5 seconds) and the chronic UMNI (3.1 ± 2.7 seconds in the MT group vs 9.3 ± 5.5 seconds in the M group, respectively; P < .05); statistical differences were found between the MT group and the M group (P < .05; Figure 2) Figure 2Time (seconds) between the beginning of the urinary stream in the cats undergoing MBE (M group) and in the cats undergoing MBE and tactile stimulation of the perigenital region (MT group). See Figure 1 for key the uncoordinated bladder/sphincter activity was observed during voiding induced by bladder distension in spinalized pups This may explain why micturition in the bladder-to-bladder spinal reflex is ineffective while the perigenital-to-bladder spinal reflex induces efficient voiding and coordinated bladder and sphincter activity MBE induces voiding when the bladder pressure induced by mechanical compression overcomes the pressure of the urethral sphincters It can be deduced that MBE associated with tactile stimulation of the perigenital area can improve voiding owing to the reduction of the tone of the urethral sphincters De Groat et al7,8 demonstrated the reemergence of the perigenital-to-bladder spinal reflex by tactile stimulation at least 1 to 2 weeks after spinal transection This reflex increases in intensity in the 2-week period that follows the perigenital-to-bladder spinal reflex reemerged initially only on a subliminal level by tactile stimulation The reflex is not optimized in urinary bladder contraction; however thanks to the relaxation of the urethral sphincters This hypothesis could explain why within a few hours of the trauma all the acute patients receiving tactile stimulation of the perigenital-to-bladder spinal reflex were able to induce urinary voiding immediately after the combined MBE and tactile stimulation the current study revealed no significant differences in flow onset urinary tract times in chronic and acute spinal cord injury cats when a protocol of MBE and tactile stimulation was used This study also showed that the interval between MBE and the time of initiating a urine stream was significantly reduced by tactile stimulation of the perigenital region in cats with an acute or chronic UMNI thanks to the activation of the perigenital-to-bladder spinal reflex The practical implications of the results of this study are that tactile stimulation of the perigenital region during MBE can reduce the patient’s discomfort and the time of hospitalization and facilitate cat management at home a shorter time of bladder compression reduces the risk of vesico-renal reflux and the transient dilation of the renal pelvis with deterioration of the renal function Supplementary materials are posted online at the journal website: avmajournals.avma.org Coauthor Marco Caldin died before the publication of this article working with you on this paper has been an honor you have been and will always be inspiring The authors thank the Clinica Veterinaria Castellarano staff for technical support and for being the best team to work with No AI-assisted technologies were used in the generation of this manuscript Lane IF. Diagnosis and management of urinary retention. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2000;30(1):25-57. doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(00)50002-3 European Parliament, Council of the European Union. Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products. Accessed November 6, 2023. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32001L0082 DeGroat WC, Douglas JW, Glass J, Simonds W, Weimer B, Werner P. Changes in somato-vesical reflexes during postnatal development in the kitten. Brain Res. 1975;94(1):150-154. doi:10.1016/0006-8993(75)90884-7 Subscribe to newsletters © 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association. All rights reserved. Powered by KGL PubFactory showcased in the company’s Fiandre Architectural Bureau (FAB) showroom in Castellarano Fiandre adds new colours and formats to enhance the collections Marmi Maximum and Balance (Marmi Maximum: Breccia Sarda) Hailing from Castellarano, Italy, Fiandre (see here) has become synonymous with its production of full-body porcelain surfaces the company has expanded its product offerings to encompass a diverse range of flooring and coverings suitable for both residential and commercial use aimed at improving the color and tactile characteristics of their materials ensures that designers have access to contemporary options for their projects Fiandre’s products uphold environmentally conscious production methods as evidenced by their ISO 14001 and EMAS certifications as well as their LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Fiandre has become synonymous with its production of full-body porcelain surfaces (Marmi Maximum: Camouflage) Fiandre’s ‘Marmi Maximum’ collections welcome three textures to their veined and patterned porcelain stoneware series that expertly echo rare ‘Camouflage Maximum’ gently fades between cream and gray with gentle ash grains featuring the ‘feel’ finish: a smooth luxurious matte that subtly blends into the environment ‘Breccia Sarda Maximum’ features a warm beige background animated by slender white grain complemented by a pre-polished matte finish that gives the porcelain added depth ‘Palissandro White Maximum’ presents a white canvas with long streaks in shades of brown and dark gray enhanced by a glint finish that evenly scatters light spots and luminous pigments across the entire surface These color options are available in two sizes making them suitable for bespoke furnishing and industrial design applications like floor and wall coverings Fiandre’s ‘Marmi Maximum’ collections welcomes three textures to the veined and patterned series (Marmi Maximum: Breccia Sarda) ‘Balance’ is Fiandre’s neutral color series subdued backdrop for architectural spaces in a 120×270 cm format surfaces make these lightly textured surfaces ideal for a wide range of contexts and uses Eight of the 14 colors in the collection (Light Grey Marsala Red) are available in this additional scale Fiandre’s neutral color series welcomes a 120×270 cm format (Balance: Light Grey These additional offerings are available to preview at the FAB Fiandre Architectural Bureau showroom in Castellarano Following an in-depth extension and restyling project by Area 17 Architecture and Interior the product exhibition space also serves as a flexible environment for work discovery and dialogue amongst Fiandre’s guests and clientele The area dedicated to displaying ceramic surfaces and their applications has grown significantly allowing more natural light to flood the space the FAB Fiandre Architectural Bureau showroom in Castellarano following a renovation by Area 17 Architecture the collection expansion comes from research aimed at improving the color and tactile characteristics of materials (Marmi Maximum: Breccia Sarda) Fiandre’s products uphold environmentally conscious certifications like ISO 14001 and EMAS (Marmi Maximum: Breccia Sarda) ‘Camouflage Maximum’ gently fades between cream and gray while weaving in gentle ash grains (Marmi Maximum: Camouflage) ‘Camouflage’ surfaces feature the ‘feel’ finish: a smooth luxurious matte that subtly blends into the environment (Marmi Maximum: Camouflage) ‘Palissandro White’ evenly scatters light spots and luminous pigments across the entire surface (Marmi Maximum: Palissandro White) ‘Palissandro White Maximum’ presents a white canvas with long streaks in shades of brown and dark gray (Marmi Maximum: Palissandro White) the surfaces from Marmi Maximum expertly replicate quarried marble while adhering to leading environmental standards (Marmi Maximum: Palissandro White) ‘Balance’ is Fiandre’s neutral color series designed to create an elegant subdued backdrop for architectural spaces (Balance: Nude & Steel) the 6mm width of the surfaces make it suitable for all types of architectural applications (Balance: Nude & Jatoba Brown) brand: Fiandre | @fiandre_surfaces  Breccia Sarda Maximum and Palissandro White Maximum finishes: pre-polished (Breccia Sarda Maximum) AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style from the stars and reaches the Earth through solar energy stored in photovoltaic panels installed on the factory roof by Elisa Mazzini /// March 14 The warm season in Emilia-Romagna is marked by numerous initiatives dedicated to greenery On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March 2025 the historic centre of Rimini will host the spring edition of Giardini d’Autore the botanical event dedicated to plants and gardens between Castel Sismondo and Piazza Malatesta On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March 2025, the city of Piacenza will celebrate the arrival of spring with Piacenza in Fiore On Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of April 2025, the traditional spring date with Carpinfiore returns to Carpi. In the large and picturesque Piazza dei Martiri, in the shadow of the Palazzo dei Pio floriculturists from all over Italy will meet to exhibit their production of many varieties and types of plants On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2025, the beautiful gardens of Villa Pallavicino in Busseto will host Ortocolto a market festival of floricultural biodiversity where you can find selected botanical varieties but also the creations of artisans and artists and many typical agri-food products of local biodiversity You can also take the opportunity to visit the Renata Tebaldi Museum with a fascinating multimedia itinerary on the heritage of Italian melodrama On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2025, the gardens of Villa Braghieri in Castel San Giovanni on the border between the provinces of Piacenza and Pavia a traditional exhibition and market dedicated to flowers There will be special areas for children with workshops and themed games while adults can take part in guided tours inside the villa On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025, Santarcangelo di Romagna will host the traditional Balconi Fioriti (Balconies in Bloom) festival Social Media Manager for @inEmiliaRomagna and full-time mom by Elisa Mazzini /// March 11 by Daniela Camboni /// March 18 by Davide Marino /// March 30 an email (in Italian) with selected contents and upcoming events i am looking for a map and any other info you can provide on Dante’s walk For information, contact us: inemiliaromagna@aptservizi.com