The Oblò Handle Designed by Bernardo Zuccon for F.lli Razeto & Casareto Wins the ICONIC AWARDS 2025
Celebrating excellence and fostering international dialogue among designers, companies, and researchers — with a particular focus on sustainability, circular economy, and digital transformation — are the goals of the ICONIC AWARDS 2025, the international competition dedicated to architecture, interior design, and product design, organized by the German Design Council.
The award, which received over 560 entries from 45 countries, was this year assigned to Oblò, the handle designed by Architect Bernardo Zuccon of Zuccon International Project and manufactured by F.lli Razeto & Casareto, the historic Ligurian company that has been designing and producing locks and fittings for doors and onboard furniture for over a century, serving boats, yachts, superyachts, and ships.
“I am truly proud to have received this ICONIC AWARDS 2025 recognition with Oblò — a handle, an object that may appear simple but whose design required the utmost attention,” said Zuccon. “With the team at the studio, we worked extensively to conceal everything that did not need to be visible, because the handle imposed a number of technical constraints that I sought to disguise, so that it would appear absolutely pure and traditional.”
It was precisely this purity of design that first convinced the German jury to award Oblò, which was also recognized for its safety technology and social sustainability features.
Giangi Razeto, Head of Research & Development as well as Innovation and Design at F.lli Razeto & Casareto, explained:
“Oblò incorporates a system already used in other models of our marine handle collection. It includes the integration of smart access features that communicate with the onboard safety and control systems, providing information to guests and crew through the light integrated into the handle itself, using universal color codes such as red and green.”
What do you mean by ‘social sustainability’?
“We equipped the handle with the ESI Anti Microbial System, which makes it virtually immune to viruses, bacteria, and fungi, thereby helping to prevent the spread of pathogens that can cause onboard epidemics. Guests on a cruise ship or a large yacht, for instance, form a closed community that is particularly vulnerable to contagion.”
“I have always been fascinated by the porthole on ships and boats,” added Architect Zuccon, “because it represents a constant symbol in maritime history. It is an archetype expressing the deep bond between humans and the sea. From this idea came the concept of transforming the traditional shape of the porthole by reinterpreting it as a handle.”
“It was particularly interesting — and also rewarding — to be honored with an award of such broad international scope, where our entirely Made in Italy product stood side by side with creations from leading designers and companies from all continents,” commented Andrea Razeto, CEO of the Sori-based company. “Once again, we have shown that a product that is both beautiful and well made can compete at the highest level, standing out for its style, good taste, and technological innovation.”
