A New Special and Antibacterial Kitchen for “Special Cook”

The travelling initiative conceived by Officine Buone, which delivers experiential cooking workshops to hospitals throughout Italy, is launching a new kitchen at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS. Made possible through the support of Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group ETS, the space is equipped with Active Surfaces® eco-active ceramic surfaces, providing an innovative, hygienic and safe environment for the project’s activities.

A New Special and Antibacterial Kitchen for “Special Cook”

Cooking is nourishment for both the body and the soul. It is a moment of enjoyment, creativity and sharing, capable of transforming simple ingredients into meaningful experiences that bring well-being, pleasure and comfort, even in situations of vulnerability. This is the premise behind Special Cook, a project of interactive cooking workshops conceived and organized by Officine Buone, a non-profit association dedicated to social innovation through cultural initiatives in hospitals and other care environments.

On 18 June, a new edition of Special Cook took place at the Department of Pediatrics of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome, welcoming children and young people from the pediatric and pediatric surgery wards. The event featured a technologically innovative kitchen distinguished by its exceptional hygienic properties.

The new mobile kitchen, which will also accompany future stages of the project, is entirely clad in Active Surfaces® ceramic surfaces, renowned for their patented antibacterial, antiviral, anti-odour and self-cleaning properties. Fully developed by Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group ETS—the non-profit organization established as part of Iris Ceramica Group’s commitment to social responsibility—the kitchen consists of two portable units covered on every side with naturally designed eco-active ceramic surfaces. Designed to function both as worktops and as bases for cooking equipment, the units also incorporate dedicated storage spaces for kitchen utensils and accessories.

The stars of the day were the children and young people from the pediatric and pediatric surgery wards who, together with Chef Andrealetizia Pedrini, contestant on MasterChef Italy 11, prepared a colourful, seasonal and easy-to-make recipe: potato gnocchi served with a fresh cherry tomato sauce. Working side by side with the Chef, the participants turned cooking into an experience of play, learning and well-being.

“Projects like this are born from the synergy of people who believe that care also comes through emotional well-being. Together with Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS and Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group ETS, we have built something tangible: bringing cooking closer to patients as a tool for comfort, sharing and the humanization of healthcare,” commented Ugo Vivone, Founder of Officine Buone.

“In a hospital setting, it is essential to promote initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being of children and young people by complementing clinical pathways with opportunities for socialization, creativity and participation. Projects such as Special Cook achieve this goal, and we are delighted to welcome and share them within our pediatric departments,” said Professor Eugenio Mercuri, Director of the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS.

“Through this project, we share the desire to create spaces and opportunities for connection where care is also expressed through participation, relationships and the quality of the environments we experience. With this new kitchen, made possible by Active Surfaces® eco-active surfaces, we have chosen to place our most innovative technology at the service of people’s well-being, supporting an initiative that promotes inclusion, quality of life and attention to vulnerability,” stated Stefano Luconi, Managing Director of Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group ETS.

Having already reached 15 hospitals, Special Cook will continue its journey by involving additional healthcare facilities across Italy, offering moments of sharing through food and providing comfort to children in vulnerable situations, hospital patients and their families.