The Italian designer talks to Luo Jingmei about his designs for Giorgetti at Space Asia Hub’s newly christened Giorgetti Atelier.
July 30th, 2013
Perhaps it is not surprising that Carlo Colombo would highlight the Asian woman as his source of inspiration for pieces he has designed for Giorgetti’s 2013 collection. “Asia is my second home; I have come here for 15 years, one week every month… Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing, etc.,” he rattles on.
One of the most respected Italian designers in the world of contemporary design, Colombo has designed for the most prestigious international brands like Flexform Mood, Serralunga and Poliform, just to name a few. Asia is a major pit stop in his travels around the world for work – he is also an architect and educator – and currently, he is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Beijing.
Vittoria
“I like the Asian woman, because she’s very elegant. With this inspiration, I started to move the hand on the white paper, to [follow] the shape,” says Colombo as he points to the Vittoria sofa, whose back- and side-frames continue in one fluid motion to the front in a subtle scoop. Similarly, the defined shell of the Diana chair wraps the upholstery tightly, like how a cheongsam would the feminine silhouette.
Diana
But, says Colombo, inspiration did not come just from the female body. “When people [here] walk, or give business cards with two fingers, or the eyes, the face, the skin, the culture… many things are totally different. If you’ve been in Asia [for] many, many years, you can understand; [everything’s] very gentle and I like [that].”
Minerva
This sensuality expresses itself not merely in aesthetics, but also in how technology is applied. An example is in the Minerva armchair, which considers multiple ways a chair is used. “It’s very funny, because in one chair, you buy three chairs,” Colombo comments candidly. It’s high back can be flipped horizontally to create an armrest when the user leans to the side; when pushed all the way to the front, it becomes a low-backed chair.
Morfeo
Typically, such a movement would incorporate some awkward mechanical gymnastics, but here, a new material from the USA enables the fluid motion minus the mechanical parts. “We tried this before with a mechanism but the problem is when you put your arm [up], you feel the steel. It was not comfortable,” says Colombo. That’s quintessential Giorgetti, incorporating the latest technology and finest details to create seemingly effortless elegance.
Altea
Aside from furniture, Colombo lets on that he is also designing some of the brands’ new Ateliers, including one in Beijing, and another in Guangzhou. The Giorgetti Ateliers are unique Giorgetti showrooms that present the furniture in an intimate atmosphere and curatorial style. Also within is a technical area where customers can learn more about the materials and processes. Recently, The Villa of Space Asia Hub in Singapore, where Giorgetti is housed and where this interview was held, was recognised as the fourth and latest Giorgetti Atelier worldwide, and visitation is only made available via appointment.
The Giorgetti Atelier in Singapore
Clearly, this collaboration with Giorgetti is an exciting one for Colombo. Proof is in the ideas that keep coming. “It’s a nice [relationship] because many projects were born immediately during our meetings. We discuss new ideas and I start to work immediately with the pen… for me, [it’s a great] opportunity because Giorgetti doesn’t have a lot of competitors in the world. It’s unique because the shape, the details, the material, the atmosphere, the elegance is totally different [from other brands]. It’s an icon in the world, no? And I think I can do a good job with it,” he laughs.
Just with the first five simple but exquisite pieces, we can’t help but affirm that he already has.
Carlo Colombo
carlocolombo.it
Giorgetti
giorgetti-spa.it
Space Furniture
spacefurniture.com.sg
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Leading quartz manufacturer Caesarstone has unveiled the first installment of its yearlong collaboration with designer Jaime Hayon, the Stone Age Folk
For many furniture designers struggling to survive on two to five per cent royalties cheques, the recently departed David Bowie delivers a masterclass in ‘get rich or die at Salone’.
Tonight NAWIC is hosting an informal evening with Raj Nandan, Managing Director and Publisher of Indesign Publishing. Raj is the key driving force behind the ever-growing publishing house, maintaining the mantra of “making architecture and design accessible in the region and beyond”. As part of the Success Series, the event will see Raj Nandan take […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Swiss home appliance designer and manufacturer V-ZUG’s first Sydney studio is a unified expression of the brand’s boutique, sustainable and design-led identity.
Symbolising a commitment to cultural preservation and timeless design, Powerhouse Castle Hill invites visitors into the stories behind the artefacts in a diverse range of educational and cultural activities.