Our interview with Alberto Franchi

The President and Managing Director of Franchi Umberto Marmi between dreams and new projects

What do you find the most fascinating about marble?

Its purity and uniqueness: no two pieces of marble are exactly alike.

And what makes your marble unique?

Its shade of white and veins.

Your favorite variety and why?

White statuary marble, because it gives a warm and natural brightness wherever it is installed.

Three works which have been made by using your marble?

The One World Trade Center skyscraper in New York, known as the Freedom Tower, the Arche de la Défense just outside of Paris and the Great Mosque of Mecca. The first one is covered with statuary marble, the other two with white Carrara marble (over one million square meters for Mecca). As for design, Erodescape, the work that Kengo Kuma, the master of lightness, has made for us.

Your furniture cult product?

Undoubtedly our Cubik-A marble sofa.

What values and products of yours are the most popular with the Emiratis?

The uniqueness, beauty and exclusiveness which distinguish our marbles and allow to build a wonderful villa or skyscraper according to the parameters of sustainability and by designing in a responsible way. Doing our job means not only providing a fine and unique material, but also bringing minds and cultures closer together and being aware of it. I believe that these are the foundations crucial to prosperity and development and to growing along with our partners.

Your Dubai described through some of your favorite places?

First of all, the Burj Khalifa with its panoramic platform: an extraordinary engineering feat which offers a special experience. Another of my favorite places is the Atlantis Hotel in Palm Jumeirah: an imposing venue that affords an amazing view of the Gulf. I would also add Dubai Marina to the list: a night walk along the promenade to admire the super yachts moored there is a very pleasant end to a day spent in Dubai. Instead, during the day I recommend a walk along the Dubai Canal Walk to be inspired by the design all around.