Portland design reporter Damon Johnstun will cover the 61th edition of Salone del Mobile, the prestigious furnishing and design show, April 18-23 at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. The trends and products that debuted during Milan Design Week last year are showing up in showrooms. Here is a designer spotlight:
During Milan Design Week 2022, I had the opportunity to interview architects and designers Roberto Palomba and Ludovica Serafini at Milan’s Palazzo della Permanente, a dedicated show space that fully embodies the opulent style of Versace. The immersive installation, curated by Donatella Versace in collaboration with the talented design duo, reflects the brand’s bold and evolving vision.
Serafini and Palomba established their Milan-based design studio in 1994 after completing their architecture studies in Rome. Their collaborative partnership has resulted in a plethora of projects that span a wide range of areas, from product to yacht design. The hallmark of their work is their shared vision, which integrates both architecture and design, ensuring that the two remain closely intertwined.
Their approach to design emphasizes experimentation, innovation and a synthesis of form, function, aesthetics and wellbeing. They have collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Cappellini, Boffi, Driade, Flaminia, Foscarini, Ideal Standard, Poltrona Frau, Kartell, Zanotta, Zucchetti and Kos. Their accolades include the Elle Deco International Design Award, ADI Design Index, Red Dot Award and several Archiproducts Design Awards.
Unlike other designers who may have a recognizable style, Serafini and Palomba take a more eclectic approach. They do not feel their work needs to be instantly identified as theirs, as long as people enjoy living with their designs. Rather than focusing on a signature style, each piece is created with an inspiration and a story behind it.
Serafini focuses on architecture and Palomba on the design. However, they exchange ideas and collaborate on projects as much as possible.
Palomba always knew that he wanted to be an architect and designer. Growing up in Sardinia, he was influenced by the natural shapes and rugged landscapes of the island in the Mediterranean Sea, which contrasted sharply with the architecture and design of Rome, where he studied. He later moved to Milan, where he gained a deeper understanding of design and was inspired by the work of the great masters of the field.
Regarding their collaboration with Versace, Serafini and Palomba spoke about the importance of creating inclusive, iconic interiors rather than focusing solely on an exclusive logo.
When asked about Versace’s previous furniture designs, Palomba commented that the brand had “tried to transfer the logotypes of the brand into the furniture, but this is another business.” He explained that “a sofa is a sofa, a bag is a bag,” and that while design can be inspired by other things, it must remain true to its function.
They recently renovated the beautiful but dilapidated Palazzo Daniele palace, built in 1861 in Italy’s Salento region. The project was originally designed as a residence for artists before being transformed into a boutique hotel. They emphasized the importance of the guest experience, incorporating elements such as the kitchen in the path to the swimming pool.
Remarkably, they maintained the character and charm, restore it to its former glory in a sophisticated but easy-going style. “It was a completely destroyed place,” Palomba explained. “But the proportion of this place was fantastic and beautiful.”
Overall, the duo’s approach to design emphasizes the importance of staying true to the function of an object while creating a unique and memorable experience for users. They believe that design should be accessible to everyone and strive to create iconic, inclusive interiors and products that serve a wide range of people.
Another project the couple designed was the Pianoalto modular sofa system for the Italian furniture brand Zanotta. They spent three years developing a new upholstery concept that exudes a familiarity with comfort, a place for pure relaxation. They stated that their goal was to create an elegant and distinctive design that felt as if it was already part of the contemporary consumer’s DNA.
The Pianoalto collection is comprised of interchangeable elements that allow for a wide range of configurations, making it a versatile solution for any space described as “a sort skyline in the sitting room.” The sofa’s suspended appearance is achieved through the incorporation of the seat with the base and the inward positioning of the legs, while the innovative angles offer ergonomic comfort.
The couple is known for their incredible taste and design skills, but what happens when they disagree? Palomba jokingly replied, “She’s the boss,” to which Serafini added, “We must convince each other, and if you fight for your idea, it means that you think that this idea is good.”
Passion and disagreement, according to the couple, are essential components of successful collaboration. They believe that without these elements, there is no growth or progress. And while they share the same taste, they acknowledge that their personal stories and experiences influence their work.
Looking toward the future, Serafini and Palomba are excited about exploring new ventures. “Who knows?” Palomba said. “We are lucky because we never have the problem of [staring at a blank page]. Our problem is to have enough paper.”
Palomba shared that they recently completed their first NFT and are interested in pursuing more fashion-related projects. “We developed some patterns, for example, that people like very much,” she said. “And I think this kind of pattern can be even transferred to some fashion collection.”
The pair’s passion for design and commitment to collaboration continues to fuel their success. As Palomba put it, “We think we can do a lot of things in the future.” With their talent and creativity, there’s no doubt that they will continue to make beautiful objects for years to come
— Damon Johnstun
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