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A Zero-Impact Future Innovation and creativity are the design hallmarks of LUCA DINI Design & Architecture. Its Cetacean concept is a green yacht inspired by geniuses of the past like Brunelleschi and Leonardo Da Vinci by Samuela Urbini 26

The Cetacean features a range of formats – a private yacht that can reach small islands (above) or a cargo vessel (left). To side, the concept’s external lines, with the roof-mounted solar panel that powers the domotics and lighting

uca Dini is not one to rest on his laurels. The mind of this

These two illustrious figures are remembered as icons of invention and

innovator, founder of the Florence-based LUCA DINI De-

architecture. We couldn’t resist the challenge of celebrating it, while

sign & Architecture studio, now expanding with an office in

fully respecting their original idea, through a futuristic restyling”.

Saudi Arabia and a showroom in Forte dei Marmi, is always

The Badalone was a revolutionary craft designed by the architect Fi-

buzzing with ideas. His abilities have attracted commissions from

lippo Brunelleschi in 1421. It was to be propelled by wind-powered

prestigious yards like Admiral, Amels, Benetti, CBI Navi, Codecasa,

paddles and was designed to transport large blocks of marble from

Columbus, Heesen, Horizon, Isa, Mariotti, Mondomarine, Rossinavi,

Carrara to Florence, where the stone would be used in the construction

Tankoa, Tecnomar, Trinity, Tuxedo and Wider, for which Dini creates

of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of Italy’s greatest works

interiors and exteriors that are always new and exciting. “We never

of art. A few years later, in 1470, Leonardo’s genius inspired him to

repeat ourselves. Every piece in our projects is made to measure for

develop the idea by creating a hull that was more similar to that of a

the owner”. These unique, exclusive objects demand a great deal of

conventional vessel, with a real bow and stern.

research – take, for example, the latest concept, Cetacean, a catamaran

The Cetacean has a draught of only 1.20 metres, and when under

with full-electric propulsion that can sail with zero impact and navigate

way the solar panel on the roof powers supplementary systems like

marine nature reserves. “The concept has been developed with our

domotics and lighting. Latest-generation batteries provide propulsion,

architecture department, which is involved in many areas, including

and are recharged while the ship is docked. The patented dock is an

ports and marinas. They’re helping us with several projects in the

integral part of the system – it is, in fact, an induction plug-in battery

Red Sea”, says Dini. “At a time of great environmental awareness and

charger and generates power by absorbing the movement of tides and

eco-sustainability we wondered what would be the first example of

waves. The versatile Cetacean can be configured as a shuttle for tran-

green technology to be applied on board. We came across Brunelle-

sport between the marina and small islands, as a cargo vessel, mobile

schi’s famous design for a boat called the “Badalone” (Monster) and

hospital or private yacht offering exclusive trips in total privacy.

discovered that same vessel had been studied by Leonardo da Vinci.