San Patrignano Design Lab

For more than 40 years San Patrignano, one of the world's largest residential treatment centres, has offered support and community to those suffering from addiction and marginalisation. The organisation's wide-ranging programmes include rehabilitation, drug prevention and skills training. Over 30 years ago San Patrignano began a project of investing in ancient decorative crafts and imparting the know-how to their young residents. This resulted in the San Patrignano Design Lab, a group of artisan workshops where everything is handmade. From wallpaper to metalwork, residents are guided by a master craftsman who accompanies them on a journey of growth, helping them to discover the main decoration techniques while restoring dignity to the person. And with the help of architect and interior designer Renzo Mongiardino, the San Patrignano Design Lab began collaborating with architectural firms.

One of the centre's craft workshops focuses on made-to-measure wallpaper projects. It does not archive or list the designs used in its work but rather works on projects from the very start, based on the request of the person who has commissioned them. Every commission is unique. The design of the works is sometimes influenced by the creative minds that collaborate with the centre on a variety of projects. Wallpaper decorative techniques range from stencils to serigraphs and painting. The workshop only uses water-based products that have been certified as fireproof.

San Patrignano Design Lab produces wallpaper for leading interior design studios in Italy and abroad. It creates hand-decorated wallpaper and fabrics for a large array of interior design projects. These range from private residential projects to naval contracts, yachts, hotels and restaurants. It also works with design brands to decorate fabrics such as those used in upholstering and clothing.

Magnae Chartae Exhibition