FABRICA off the record

 “FABRICA Off the Record” explores the legacy of FABRICA, the legendary Benetton’s research and communication center in Italy, at FabCafe Taipei from April 19–May 10. Curated by former residents Javin Mo (2004) and Jochieh Huang (2016), the exhibition unveils personal archives, original rare publications, and the provocative 90s magazine COLORS. The exhibition also features a special screening of The Concrete Castle by Spanish director Laura Sans. Released to mark FABRICA’s 30th anniversary, the film invites viewers to rediscover the center’s evolution and its profound impact on the global creative community.

FABRICA’s iconic logo, conceived around the image of an eye, reflects a worldview shaped by diverse racial perspectives. It was designed in 1994 by the Italian photographer and creative force Oliviero Toscani, and has remained in use ever since.

Established in 1994 by the Benetton Group in Treviso, Italy, FABRICA, the Benetton Communications Research Centre was co-founded by Luciano Benetton and legendary photographer Oliviero Toscani. The center is housed in a 17th-century villa masterfully restored and redesigned by architect Tadao Ando, creating a space where classical heritage meets a modern architectural vocabulary. FABRICA redefined “communication” as a social responsibility rather than a mere marketing tool. For three decades, the center selected young creatives under the age of 25—the Fabricanti—for one-year residencies to explore the intersection of art and society. This mission was most famously realized through COLORS, which used a bold, controversial visual language to address global issues.

Located on the outskirts of Treviso, Italy, FABRICA’s headquarters was designed by the celebrated Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened in 1994.

Drawing from the curators’ personal archives, this exhibition weaves together magazines, posters as well as documents, to form a chronological journey through FABRICA’s legacy. First, explore the architectural origins within Tadao Ando’s iconic campus. Next, traverse two decades of creative growth—from the provocative social impact of COLORS in the 2000s (curated by Javin Mo) to the multidisciplinary design approaches of the 2010s (curated by Jochieh Huang). Finally, we examine FABRICA’s profound impact in design history and its enduring influence on contemporary creativity through the 30th-anniversary short film.

FABRICA’s COLORS spent the ’90s radically engaging communication with the world’s most critical social issues.

FABRICA 30th Anniversary events

One of the highlights of this exhibition is a special screening of the short film The Concrete Castle, directed by Laura Sans. The film captures more than 400 creators returning to Italy to mark the 30th anniversary, looking back at the creative visions of the early 1990s. It explores how creators, caught between the dilemma of free collaboration and social responsibility, used diverse media to shape this “undefinable castle of creativity.” The short film records the continuous evolution of this cultural laboratory—a place that shifts with emerging creative trends and fosters collaboration across a multitude of disciplines.

 “FABRICA is difficult to explain because it has never been static. Over the years, it has continually reinvented itself, with each new director bringing their own vision to the space.” “FABRICA has not always been a place of absolute harmony; it has been a space of tensions, challenges, and triumphs. I thought it was important to address the relationship between art and creativity in a materialistic, consumer-driven society, especially considering that Fabrica is hosted by a multinational company.” Says Laura Sans 

“With today’s fragmented media landscape and divided societies, we want to offer a different lens.” “We are exploring how institutions and creatives can actively engage with public issues. This exhibition is our attempt to redefine design as a powerful tool for cultural practice and social impact.” Say curators Javin Mo and Jochieh Huang.

Opening scene from FABRICA’s The Concrete Castle

Trailer for FABRICA’s The Concrete Castle

About FabCafe Taipei

FabCafe is a global creative community with 13 locations around the world, including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico.

Since opening in 2013, FabCafe Taipei has served as an international platform where creators gather, connect, and exchange ideas. It allows people to move freely between digital and physical realms, and through co-creation with creators across disciplines pioneering new forms of creation, FabCafe is committed to solving challenges faced by its partners and society while exploring future innovation.

In collaboration with GABEE., a brand devoted to coffee craftsmanship, FabCafe Taipei offers excellent coffee and handmade desserts. Whether you are here to create or simply to unwind, a cup of coffee connects creativity with everyday life.