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Natuzzi Italia N+ Design Awards Study Tour
China Design Partners Embark on an Immersive Journey to Southern Italy
Exploring the Roots of Design. Inspiring the Future of Harmonious Living.
When design reconnects with its cultural origins, inspiration becomes timeless.
Natuzzi Italia has officially launched the Italian study tour of the 2025/2026 N+ Design Awards, welcoming a selected group of Harmony Ambassadors and Harmony Collaborators from China to the birthplace of the brand in Puglia, Southern Italy. Personally selected by Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Global Chief Business Officer of Natuzzi, together with the international jury, the five-day immersive program invited participants to experience the landscapes, craftsmanship and architectural heritage that have shaped Natuzzi Italia's design philosophy for more than six decades.
More than a design competition, the N+ Design Awards represents Natuzzi Italia's long-term commitment to building an international platform where architecture, design, culture and lifestyle converge, fostering meaningful dialogue among designers across different regions and disciplines.
During the journey, participants visited the Natuzzi Group Headquarters in Santeramo in Colle and the Natuzzi Italia Flagship Store on Via Durini in Milan, gaining first-hand insight into the brand's integrated approach—from design research and material innovation to artisanal craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence. The experience reflected Natuzzi Italia's ongoing commitment to innovation while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage, demonstrating a design culture where craftsmanship, technology and storytelling exist in harmony.
Returning to the Origin of "Harmony"
The 2025/2026 edition of the N+ Design Awards is centred on the theme "Harmony Home", encouraging designers to rethink the relationship between people, spaces and nature.
Rather than focusing solely on competition entries, Natuzzi Italia brings designers back to the region where its story began—Puglia.
Its dramatic coastline, centuries-old olive groves, the UNESCO World Heritage Trulli houses of Alberobello and the ancient cave city of Matera together embody a unique Mediterranean culture that has continuously inspired Natuzzi Italia's creative vision for 67 years.
For Natuzzi Italia, authentic design is not about creating new forms for their own sake, but about cultivating lasting harmony between people, architecture and everyday living.
Building a Global Design Ecosystem Through Collaboration
An essential part of the study tour was the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned architectural and design studios that have collaborated closely with Natuzzi Italia, offering participants broader perspectives on architecture, urban design, product innovation and cultural heritage.
The journey began with Arkitetti – Flore & Venezia, the award-winning architectural practice recognised for its restoration of historic buildings and sensitive interpretation of local heritage throughout Puglia. Their philosophy of preserving the spirit of place while discreetly integrating contemporary technologies closely resonates with Natuzzi Italia's vision of harmony between architecture, nature and human experience.
Participants also visited One Works, the Milan-based international architecture and engineering consultancy renowned for large-scale transportation infrastructure, public buildings and urban regeneration projects.
In 2025, One Works collaborated with Natuzzi Italia on the installation Incontro, presented during Ostuni Design Week, exploring new forms of interaction between people and public space.
Looking ahead, the collaboration continues to evolve beyond installations. Together, Natuzzi Italia and One Works are developing modular design systems for transportation hubs, outdoor waiting areas and shared public environments, exploring new ways to integrate architecture, furniture and infrastructure while enhancing comfort and wellbeing in contemporary public spaces.
The final stop brought participants to AR-O-STUDIO, founded by designers Andrea Steidl and Raquel Pacchini in Milan. Working across architecture, product design and creative direction, the studio combines material research with cultural narratives and emotional experiences. Since 2024, Andrea Steidl has collaborated with Natuzzi Italia on collections including Mirai and Amama, both recognised by prestigious international awards such as the Archiproducts Design Awards and MUSE Design Awards. Together, these collaborations demonstrate a shared belief that design should not only fulfil functional needs but also preserve cultural memory and shape meaningful ways of living.
Empowering Chinese Designers Through Global Exchange
Rooted in the Mediterranean lifestyle for over 67 years, Natuzzi Italia continues to translate the landscapes, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Puglia into a contemporary design language recognised worldwide.
Through initiatives such as the N+ Design Awards, the brand continues to strengthen its role as a global platform for creative exchange, connecting designers from diverse cultural backgrounds and encouraging new perspectives on contemporary living.
Looking ahead, Natuzzi Italia will continue to foster international collaborations, expand its vision of Harmony, and inspire future generations of designers to create living spaces where culture, craftsmanship and innovation coexist in perfect balance.
Reflecting on the essence of the N+ Design Awards journey, Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Principal Host of the N+ Design Awards, emphasized the importance of experiencing design through culture, craftsmanship, and human connection, he said: "Natuzzi is not simply about design—it is about a way of living shaped by culture, craftsmanship, and place. The N+ Design Awards journey offers designers an opportunity to experience Southern Italy beyond its landscapes, discovering the values and human connections that inspire our creative vision. We are delighted to welcome this year's winners, whose openness, creativity, and cultural curiosity reflect the next generation of global design."
