The Sparking Change installation, presented by Roca + designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, embodies the principles of circularity + decarbonization in ceramics manufacturing.

Sparking Change is a unique, educational installation presented by Roca and designed by Mario Cucinella Architects that was put on display at Fuorisalone during Milan Design Week 2024. Bringing the physical and digital worlds together at the Università degli Studi are 1,200 colorful, 3D-printed modular ceramic blocks stacked into a semi-circular backdrop measuring 4.5 meters high. The larger, necessary narrative that lies behind the beauty of Sparking Change is about embodying the principles of circularity and decarbonization, a path that straddles tradition and industrial innovation. Photo: ©Marcela Grassi
“This installation is evidence that technology and digital tools are no longer merely instruments for creating but also for stimulating new ideas,? says Mario Cucinella, founder and president of Mario Cucinella Architects, of the project.
Photo: ©Marcela Grassi
The blocks are individually made during a low-environmental impact process that uses a combination of virgin clay and recycled ceramics sourced from bathroom component production. The gradient and the shape of the installation itself are symbolic of the operating temperatures used during the firing process to achieve quality ceramic products. Once the firing is complete, each block is marked with details that share the te...