Architect. He was among the protagonists of radical architecture movements such as Cavart, Alchimia and Memphis. He designed lamps and pieces of furniture for the most important Italian and European brands, carried out architectural projects in Italy and abroad, exhibited his works in Europe, U.S. and Japan. Honoured with the title of High Official of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy for his design and architecture achievements, he is full professor at the Faculty of Design of Politecnico di Milano and Academic at the San Luca National Academy in Rome.
What fascinates you today of Brera and how would you describe it?
Brera has the charm of the art district of Milan and has a bohemian, and even Parisian personality. It is an area full of creativity hosting the well-known Pinacoteca and the Academy of Fine Arts, many fashion and design stores and food from all over the world. When walking through its streets, especially in April during the Fuorisalone, you feel an extravagant, young and international atmosphere.
Why choosing Brera for the opening of the first store of Bottega Ghianda, of which you are Art Director?
Brera is sprinkled with small stores that over the years have become nicer and more ele-gant. It is a culturally lively area of the city, where artisans’ workshops have been replaced by atel-iers, art galleries and showrooms with a strong personality. There’s no better place in Milan to pre-sent the work of a workshop turning every product into a piece of art.
What would you suggest to visit to a young architect coming to the Milan Fuorisalone for the first time?
A young designer, more than anyone else, must watch and catch the most experimental, in-novative and alternative things as opposed to an often-trivialising mass production.
