Limiting an investigation into design to a specific geographical area can help delineate the preconditions, the conditions of existence and the influences common to the designers who were either born in these places or have chosen to go there. In what is commonly called the Northeast, there are at least three fundamental reasons that are simultaneously present and relevant. Certainly one must consider the prestige and educational quality of the IUAV University of Venice, with its recentlt estabished Faculty of Arts and Design, that was immediately heralded as a breath of fresh air among Italian design schools, positioning itself closer to the realm of art than to technical and engineering studies.

Almost the antithesis of the university, we have small businesses, that, on one hand, through their high productivity, offer an ideal ground for experimentation and the application of design but on the other hand haven't found time over the years to build cultural models able to process the changes and economic progress, and have only recently, it seems, begun to recognise design as a competitive factor.

Between universities and companies, a number of associations, institutions, aggregate forms and places have sprung up (more or less consciously) by the need to bridge the gap. For example, the exhibition space XYZ of Treviso, dedicated to the different expressive forms of applied arts, that grew from the need to find an opportunity to give them organic exposure that, in traditional art galleries, is often denied. Or like the Heads Collective, also in Treviso, that conducts research and develops connections between art, design, video, illustration, photography and music, as well as simultaneously producing independent cultural projects. Both of these realities collaborate or have collaborated with the Claudio Buziol Foundation of Venice, which in little more than two years has become a reference point for youthful creativity, thanks to its ongoing work regarding post-educational training, looking for contexts in which support for young designers can be inserted. Also in Venice, Studio Camuffo, always a cultural reference point and crossroads of a vast network of artists and designers that are involved from time to time in self-produced experimental projects. Finally Fuoribiennale, an international platform for action on contemporary culture that nurtures networks between companies and public and private institutions, making local contextualization its point of entry.

Giovanni Crosera
Freelance designer, since 2006 has been conducting research on Digital Product Design at the Design Master in Science University Iuav.
www.giovannicrosera.com . Archimede (2010): Bioethanol outdoor fireplace. The baffle is made from a single laser cut from a sheet of stainless steel. John Arch Crosera with Mario Mazzer. Manufactured by ACQUAEFUOCO wellness mood. Photo by Joe Murador

Zaven
Studio founded in 2004 by Mark Zavagno and Enrica Cavarzan, that conducts research on the contamination between communication, design and art.
www.zaven.net
Swing (2010): Swing is a table lamp LED in marble that encourages one to look at things from different perspectives, in contrast to the impression of stability and heaviness that this material usually inspires. Photo of Giuliano Koren.

Tankboys
Tankboys is a multidisciplinary studio based in Venice, founded in 2005 by Lorenzo Mason and Mark Campardo. The firm involved with cultural-base as well as artistic and editorial design projects. Portrait: photo of Alexander Zuek Simonetti.
www.tankboys.biz
Some When (2008): Invitation for the collective of photographers "Some When", organized by Jarach Gallery in Venice. The leaflet, depending on the user's perspective, recreates the exhibition's title in a play of perspectives.

Silke De Vivo
Silke De Vivo was born in Merano, where she lives and works as a freelance illustrator and designer. "I observe and collect, mix and then reorganise that which surrounds me. I draw things simple and make smaller and lighter designs.
www.silkedevivo.com
Lino (2006): Lino is a piggy bank handmade in pink leather, which takes shape when children fill it up with their savings; a doll that's soft to handle and feed in order to reaccustom children to the pleasure of saving.

Matteo Zorzenoni
Matthew Zorzenoni began his activities in 2002, working as an interior designer for hotels, shops and museums. He currently works as a freelance and has worked with Studio Hayon.
www.matteozorzenoni.it
Flint (2010): Flint is the new collection of tableware designed for Memento. The line is made of ceramic and is characterized by faceted surfaces and sharp edges.

Stefano Claudio Bison
After attending the Italian School of Design in Padova, he has concentrated on product design and communications working both freelance and with other studies.
InVaso (2010): A vase is a container for earth, water and plants. These are also containers of minerals and other natural elements. InVaso and a concept-vase made of sponge.

Daria Dazzan
Daria Dazzan is a fashion designer who lives and works in London and Italy. He collaborates with Veronique Branquinho and as an assistant tailor.
www.dariadazzan.com
AAAAAAAAAA™: 10A Suspender Trousers Company produces men's tailored trousers with suspenders. Tailored with attention to detail in small Venetian tailor shops, the trousers 10A is always done with linings in contras with the external fabrics.