name: Pensieri Binari
client: Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato
date: 7 – 15 april 2025

Exhibition curated by Giulio Iacchetti

exhibition project: Giulio Iacchetti, Luca Madonini
research, development and editing: Elisa Testori
graphic project: Federica Marziale Iadevaia
photo credits: Gaia Anselmi Tamburini

The railway track, and specifically the rail as its main component, is the unifying element that defines railroads across the world. It is a simple yet remarkable artifact, serving an extraordinary function: enabling trains to run swiftly and safely.

The cross-section of a rail is an enduring icon—an elegantly balanced “mushroom” shape, designed purely according to engineering principles. This unwavering adherence to technical requirements has resulted in an object that is genuinely beautiful, timeless, and, in my view, a classic—exactly what design should aspire to be.

The installation allows visitors to experience the intricate and often challenging design journey that led to today’s rail—a Darwinian evolution of the artifact, shaped by revisions, complex forms, and brilliant synthesis. It tells a fascinating story, one that belongs to the noblest history of design. Authentic rail segments are displayed in the exhibition, and touching them is encouraged! This offers a tactile experience of an object that, in this setting, can finally be observed up close.

I envisioned a small pavilion dedicated to the Italian State Railways, composed of two massive rails forming the walls of a gallery-like space. Here, visitors can fully grasp the rail’s iconic value and embark on a journey through its history.

The installation was created using sustainable materials and designed to be modular, allowing for reuse in different locations—even in a more compact form.