Q – How much time did you have to design and mold the seats?

Mr. Venelli – This has been the only concern. Time was short and, at first, we had some trouble molding the material. DuraStar is a very good material but we had never used it before. Of course, if we had to mold the same pieces again now, we wouldn't have problems. It took four months, not including installation.

Q – You’ve helped design and install the seats for sports stadiums and arenas around the world. How does Palasport Olimpico compare with the rest?

Mr. Venelli – It's a unique venue. There isn't any other venue like this in the world. Without a doubt, it will be visited after the Winter Olympic Games as an example of architecture which performs perfectly the project guidelines. I have seen many sport facilities and taken part in the making of many others, especially for hockey. This is a special venue. And it is a multi-purpose facility. Once the rink is taken down, the facility can be used for any other sport. This is the reason why the stand is a telescopic one that can be folded to close or to open. It is also the reason some upper stands can be moved. And this is why it is a huge venue and stunning space. It is hard to find such a thing in sport facilities. I consider it Number 1.

Q – The Palasport Olimpico will be center stage in the sports world during the Olympics and a part of our sports history forever. Did you change your approach any knowing that the venue would be in the world spotlight?

Mr. Venelli – I hope it will be part of our sports history forever. It is the town of Turin, which will have to decide once the Winter Olympic Games are over. I think the best decision will be made, since it is a unique building and venue, and it is a project developed for a special and uncommon use. It can be transformed for many sport activities and shows. Yes, it is really an "all-inclusive" venue. My approach didn't change, because I always try to do my best, even when economic means are short, although this was not the case here. Seats are as important as the venue itself. People want to have a comfortable seat and a good view of the rink. They do not look at the reinforcement or ask what kind of concrete has been used. They look at their seats. Sometimes when our customers want to cut costs, they choose cheaper seats and this penalizes the spectators. In this case, the far-sightedness of the customer enabled us to do what’s best for the fans.

Exterior view of the Palasport Olimpico

Q – Do you envision using transparent seats in future projects?

Mr. Venelli – We are very happy about this project and our company is interested in working again with a transparent material. After this experience we can further develop and improve the use of DuraStar. The prospects are many and some ideas will take shape.

Q – What advice do you have for designers who might be looking to use transparent plastic for a chair, table or other application?

Mr. Venelli – They should try this material, because it gives important results. Of course, clarity does not create "bulk". And it doesn't create "visual volume". For these reasons it hasn’t been used much. But it can be colored. We have colored DuraStar, using five different colors. The result was excellent. But you have to pay attention and use color just as pastel finishes and for giving a special lighting effect. Moreover, a material has to be used as it is borne. Modify a material and it loses its uniqueness. Therefore, many designers do not take risks. But it is just a matter of education and time. In house furniture, transparency is already used. A material like DuraStar can be used in many other sectors, thanks to its mechanical strength.

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