The idea of the “added function” perhaps defines more than any other variable the complexity of the contemporary era: one in which every object, space or situation is predisposed to be more things, ‘contemporarily’ as it were. Tubes have been adopting this kind of approach, introducing at the last Salone Internazionale del Bagno with the Plug&Play collection of electric radiators, an important step forward in terms of the innovation and differentiation of the range. Going beyond the primary purpose of generating heat, the products in the new Tubes range open up to the human dimension in constant movement, outlining a new notion of “personal warmth”. The Plug&Play project not only warms the human body but ‘stresses’ the theme of the radiator, ensuring that the comfort of the various heating ‘individuals’ contributes to a wellbeing that is also emotional, generated by the pleasure of the multiple possible uses and their original and sophisticated appearance.

Part of the Plug&Play collection for 2018 are the new products Eve and Astro: elements with an important secondary function, in addition to releasing warm air. Designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba taking inspiration from the world of drones, Eve is a nomadic sphere, producing heat and light that even when not in use can give off a dimmable light that makes it a feature of the space. Astro, designed by Luca Nichetto, instead resembles a small spaceship that can land in various places around the home or office: in addition to heating via warm air it also incorporates technology for purifying air with active carbon, able to operate also independently. The ability to interact extensively with space distinguishes Origami, a versatile heating element designed in 2016 by Alberto Meda as a real actual space divider. awarded this year with the Compasso d'Oro Award. In the freestanding version, fold after fold, the moving modules enable spaces to be separated and the level of privacy desired defined for every time and place, whether it be public or private.

In addition to the new proposals, the Plug&Play line includes a number of longstanding Tubes products, in some cases reworked in new versions. With every right to be included in the range is Square Bench (design: Ludovica+Roberto Palomba) an object half way between a radiator and a real piece of furniture, able to present itself as a practical seating element or shelf, ideal for use in either residential spaces as well as public and contract ones. Also part of the new collection is Milano Freestanding, a celebrated long-seller designed by Antonia Astori and Nicola De Ponti in 2006: its natural ability to be free from installation restrictions in fact interprets the contemporary dynamism of Plug&Play. Scaletta is another product that does not require installation: designed by Elisa Giovannoni in 2014, it is now being presented in a new limited-edition, gold-coloured finish for the collection that emphasises its iconic image that is also fun and attractive.