"Now our HubLab shines with beautiful lights, powered by the fiery red and neon orange raceways that Tommy himself chose. It’s a touch of colorful optimism that’s part of our challenge to the dullness of a selfish society, insensitive to anyone who, like us, has ‘non-standard’ perspectives and attitudes."
Gianluca Nicoletti
The story is told to us by Gianluca Nicoletti himself, president of the “Fondazione Cervelli ribelli Onlus”, journalist, writer, and for decades a well-known voice on national Italian radio. Nicoletti has a 23-year-old autistic son, Tommy, who has a natural artistic talent.
In Rome’s central Prati district, the “Cervelli Ribelli HubLab” is being established, where young people with autism will work to build their independence and above all, experience real social and workplace inclusion. It will be a permanent workshop open to experiments in micro-business models dedicated to families who care for people with vulnerabilities. In addition, it will also be a Hub for sharing best practices, so it needs to be a beautiful place.
Nicoletti continues: “I took on the challenge of planning for the future of my autistic son Tommy, for when I am no longer able to care for him. Tommy is 23 and a growing artist, I am 67 and a journalist nearing retirement: I thought it was time to think about ‘after me.’”
"I would like to show that there is a possible and concrete model of social and work inclusion for vulnerable people like my son. So I decided to buy myself the place to realize what I have in mind, which, if replicated, I am sure would save many rebellious minds like Tommy from exile."
"While we were designing the systems, I thought the guests would appreciate an unconventional aesthetic touch, something that would celebrate their happily ‘outside the box’ spirit. That’s when I came across the online catalog of Creative Cables; sending an email and ending up with Tommy in their Rome store happened all at once."
Below is a video made by Cervelli ribelli that shows the Making of:
It took imagination and creativity to blend aesthetic innovation with the traditional foundation of a very complex system, given the need for a smart home technology that could “collaborate” with the vulnerabilities of the guests.
As the base for all connections and controls, we used TUBES cords and accessories, the system by Creative-Cables that combines the look of fabric-covered wiring with the practicality of a true surface-mounted system. We paired these with other elements like the S14 System, Spostaluce, and concrete components such as the Rose One and E27 sockets, which perfectly complemented the structure’s industrial style with exposed pipes.
We are truly delighted to have contributed to this wonderful initiative and wish it great success.
