Aquariva by Marc Newson: Sea Trials

Yes, this is not the typical VernissageTV style video. But with this nasty weather here in Switzerland, we enjoyed producing something that reminded us of our sunny days in Miami Beach. So in this video, there’s sun, palm trees, water, and a beautiful speedboat.

The speedboat is a Riva, the Aquariva by designer Marc Newson to be more precise. It was part of an exhibition titled Marc Newson: Transport at Gagosian Gallery in New York. We documented this exhibition that took place in September, and the boat looked already great then (click here to have a look). But a boat is meant to move through the water, and on the occasion of our stay in Miami for Art Basel Miami Beach, we had the opportunity to film the Aquariva at full speed.

With the “Aquariva by Marc Newson” the designers chose a wood-like, textile-based laminate (phenolic composite) for the deck area and instrument panel. This material was developed in the first half of the 20th century, and was a precursor of fibreglass. It has an organic feel and aesthetic, but is more durable than wood. Newson also used anodized aluminium instead of stainless steel and chrome brass, to give the exterior a more high tech look.

The US launch of the “Aquariva by Marc Newson” took place during Art Basel Miami Beach at The Standard Hotel & Spa. Footage of the launch and interviews are coming soon.

PPS: Sound: Roland. Composer und Publisher Denis Woods (IMRO), Courtesy shockwave-sound.

> Right-click (Mac: ctrl-click) this link to download Quicktime video file.

For the “Aquariva by Marc Newson”, Marc Newson has partnered with Riva and their official designers, Officina Italiana Design, to reinterpret the “Aquariva” speedboat. Riva is an Italian boat-maker that became famous for its mahogany range of boats. The company was founded by Pietro Riva in 1842 on Lake Iseo in Sarnico (Bergamo), Italy. In 1962 Carlo Riva launched the most famous of his designs, the Aquarama. Riva produced boats that were the equivalent to luxury cars such as Ferrari or Rolls-Royce and were bought by royals, sportsmen, actors and celebrities. In 1969, the first fiberglass yacht appeared. Since the year 2000, Riva is owned by the Ferretti Group. Since joining the Feretti Group, Riva has developed a portfolio of 11 models ranging from 33 to 115 meters. New models such as the Aquariva series are designed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italian Design.

Photo set:
The Aquariva by Marc Newson US Sea Launch

Posted in: best of, design, Miami, no comment, VernissageTV