Some projects transcend the dimension of the object to become part of a collective narrative.
On the occasion of the institutional audience between the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Medio Design was the studio responsible for the design and manufacture of the presentation cases for the three representative gifts of Catalonia delivered during the meeting.
Developed from the creative concept of Quim Massana and Yolanda Martín of Petit Comitè Estudi, the pieces were conceived to complement and enhance the symbolic, cultural, and institutional value of the gifts representing Catalonia. The challenge was to design a container capable of conveying sobriety, excellence, and contemporary style, while maintaining a discreet and respectful presence in relation to the pieces it protected.
The exterior cladding was manufactured from DuPont™ Corian®, a material with extraordinary technical and aesthetic properties. Its homogeneous surface, silky feel, precision machining, and seamless construction allow for a level of refinement that is difficult to match with other materials. Its stability, strength, durability, and ability to be worked with extreme precision made it the ideal choice for a project where every detail had to meet the highest quality standards.
The interior was crafted from Forescolor Black, a material whose chromatic depth and matte finish lend the necessary sobriety and presence to focus all attention on the gifts. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, its selection also reflects criteria of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Manufactured from mass-colored wood fibers, it incorporates a high percentage of recycled material, is FSC certified, and has extremely low formaldehyde emissions, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint. Its exceptional density, mechanical strength, and stability also allow for a high level of precision in machining and finishing, fundamental aspects in a project where the quality of execution had to match the symbolic value of the pieces it contained.
For housing and protecting the pieces, we incorporate 100% natural wool felt, selected for both its technical properties and its sensory appeal. Its cushioning, protective, and stable properties are combined with a warm and elegant texture that adds an essential tactile dimension to the opening experience.
Each box was developed through a design, prototyping, and manufacturing process in which construction precision was paramount. Millimeter-precise adjustments, perfectly resolved joints, impeccable finishes, and meticulous execution allowed the project to achieve the level of sophistication required.
As technological and creative artisans, we understand that innovation lies not only in the tools we use, but also in our ability to put them at the service of culture, design, and material excellence. In this project, digital fabrication, materials knowledge, and artisanal craftsmanship converge to shape pieces designed to endure in the memory of a historical moment.
Due to its institutional significance, technical complexity, and the high standards required at each stage of the process, this project represents one of the most important works developed in our studio recently. It is an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate how design, materials, and precision can contribute to creating objects capable of representing a collective identity with the utmost dignity and respect.
CONCEPT / GRAPHIC DESIGN: Quim Massana y Yolanda Martín
CLIENT: Generalitat de Catalunya
DESIGN CONSULTING, DEVELOPMENT AND FABRICATION: Medio Design
PHOTO: María Teresa León / Quim Massana
YEAR: 2026
