Through the project Face to Face – Sinful Dialogues, designer Ilaria Critelli explores the theme of the seven deadly sins with a radically new approach: design as a tool for introspection and transformation. Presented as part of the Isola Design Festival selection for Conscious Objects, her collection consists of tables and seating that come to life only through interaction, forming a dialogue between body, emotion, and object.

Each piece is designed to dissolve the sin it represents, transforming a destructive impulse into a moment of reflection and growth. “Consensus”, for example, is a wearable table that only activates if the user decides to move and support it, inviting one to overcome the inertia of sloth. “Contact” finds its balance only when embraced, giving touch an empathetic and deep dimension, capable of countering the superficiality of lust.

The theme of control emerges in “Controll”, an unstable table that keeps rotating until rebalanced — a symbol of gluttony that can only be tamed through awareness. “Confrontation”, a wearable seat, helps address anger by choosing the path of inner listening, while “Confidence”, a two-person seat, dissolves greed by promoting trust and cooperation.

Finally, “Comfort” tackles pride and envy with a surprising solution: the table tilts when used by only one person, but stabilizes when shared — suggesting that balance and humanity are found only when we recognize others as equals.

With Face to Face, Ilaria Critelli offers a kind of design that goes beyond furnishing — it educates, provokes, and inspires. Each piece is an invitation to look within, to recognize our limits, and to transform them into opportunities for genuine connection — with ourselves and with others.