{"title":"Umberto Tolino","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eUmberto Tolino: Irony, Clarity, and Concept in Contemporary Clock Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nUmberto Tolino is a Milan-based designer who moves fluidly between visual communication, product design, and conceptual experimentation. A graduate in Industrial Design from the Politecnico di Milano—with a thesis for Philips Design—he has been working since 1997 on multidisciplinary projects that explore not only aesthetics, but also meaning. As a co-founder of the collective \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"rnd_lab\" href=\"\/collections\/designer-rnd-lab\"\u003ernd_lab\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, Umberto Tolino brings together research, wit, and cultural commentary in everything he creates.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px\"\u003eBetween Communication and Creation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nOver the course of his career, Umberto Tolino has collaborated with universities, design studios, and industry leaders—developing a unique language grounded in irony and precision. His work has been featured in design magazines, exhibitions, and global trend forums. A trend spotter and design culture reporter, he also teaches visual communication at the Politecnico di Milano, both in Italy and internationally. His design philosophy walks the fine line between functional clarity and emotional provocation.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px\"\u003eProgetti and the Art of the Unexpected\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nAmong his most celebrated contributions is the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Progetti Whatever clock\" href=\"\/products\/progetti-whatever-clock\"\u003eProgetti Whatever clock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, a piece that redefines timekeeping with tongue-in-cheek brilliance. Designed for \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Progetti\" href=\"\/collections\/progetti\"\u003eProgetti\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, this clock humorously arranges scattered numbers beneath the word “Whatever,” questioning the tyranny of time while functioning as a fully working timepiece. It’s this blend of smart irony and design clarity that places Umberto Tolino among Italy’s most distinctive voices in modern wall clocks.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px\"\u003eTime as Commentary, Clocks as Culture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\nFor Umberto Tolino, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"clocks\" href=\"\/collections\/progetti-clocks\"\u003eclocks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are more than functional décor—they’re visual essays. His collaboration with Progetti allows him to question habits, reflect behaviors, and challenge conventions through design. With a minimalist aesthetic and conceptual depth, his works speak to design lovers who seek pieces that provoke thought and spark conversation. The Progetti Whatever clock doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story.\n\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"progetti-whatever-clock","title":"Progetti Whatever clock","description":"The \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Progetti\" href=\"\/collections\/progetti\"\u003eProgetti\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Whatever clock, designed by the inventive \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Umberto Tolino\" href=\"\/collections\/designer-umberto-tolino\"\u003eUmberto Tolino\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a playful twist on timekeeping. Made from painted wood and powered by a precise battery-operated quartz movement, this wall clock isn’t concerned with punctuality—it celebrates the freedom to live on your own terms.\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eDesign with a Sense of Humor\u003c\/h2\u003e\nAt first glance, it’s stylish and minimal. Look closer, and you'll discover numbers scattered as if thrown in the air—an ironic, rebellious nod to our obsession with perfect schedules. Whether you’re always late or simply appreciate unconventional design, Whatever adds a clever touch to any modern space.\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eCraftsmanship Meets Concept\u003c\/h2\u003e\nCrafted in high-quality wood and finished with non-toxic paints, this clock is as durable as it is daring. The smooth surface and monochromatic color palette make it easy to pair with any décor, while its message sparks curiosity and smiles.\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px\"\u003eTime, Reimagined\u003c\/h2\u003e\nThe \u003cstrong\u003eProgetti\u003c\/strong\u003e Whatever clock isn’t just a functional \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"wall clock\" href=\"\/collections\/progetti-clocks\"\u003ewall clock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e—it’s a conversation starter. For those who value creativity, irony, and a dash of design rebellion, it’s the perfect reminder that sometimes… whatever works best.","brand":"PROGETTI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50840693604682,"sku":"prog-whatever-orolog-parete-1990-bianco","price":509.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/0793\/6771\/files\/progetti-whatever-wall-clock-1990-1.webp?v=1784712613"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/0793\/6771\/collections\/designer-umberto-tolino.webp?v=1747061479","url":"https:\/\/hiolaena.com\/collections\/designer-umberto-tolino.oembed","provider":"ShopDecor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}