Aquariva by Marc Newson

Modern techniques compliment traditional styling

In a highly anticipated collaboration, Marc Newson has partnered with Riva and their official designers, Officina Italiana Design, to reinterpret the ‘Aquariva’ speedboat. ‘Aquariva by Marc Newson’ will be launched as a limited edition of 22 units in September 2010, available worldwide through Gagosian Gallery.

“As a kid obsessed with designing and making things, post-war Italian design was a huge source of inspiration. I was amazed by the seamless ability of designers and industry to produce every conceivable type of industrial product, from furniture to automobiles. My own career has undoubtedly been influenced by the Italians’ ability to impact so many areas of design,” says Marc Newson. “That influence is fully evident in ‘Aquariva by Marc Newson’, my first nautical design project for the iconic Italian brand.”

Respecting the DNA of the original project created by Officina Italiana Design was paramount to Newson’s design for Aquariva. With this in mind, some of the changes he makes are truly innovative: the re-imagining of the transom (at the stern), the wrap-around, laminated glass windscreen, the split cabin door entry, the functionality of the lounge and dining area, and the re-introduction of separate driver and passenger seats. Aquariva by Marc Newson’s simplicity and functionality are what make the boat truly extraordinary. The end product of Newson’s design is an uprated Riva complete with a bow thruster and state-of-the-art electronic transmission.