3 Questions for Ilaria Cargiolli & Barbara Bacigalupo
We’re used to think about minimal spaces as empty and cold shells but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Q: What is the biggest challenge when designing a clean and minimal space?
A: The biggest challenge is creating a minimal but cozy space. We’re used to think about minimal spaces as empty and cold shells but it doesn’t have to be that way. Simply by combining warm and natural-inspired colours and materials we can help develop an idea where the empty space between individual items has a leading role in defining the concept of a comfy space
Q: What does “elegance” mean to you in architecture?
A: Elegant comes from the latin word “eligere” which means “to choose”. Architecture and design are the result of tireless choices and continuous research. Elegance in architecture and life as well is a perfect balance between gracefulness and simpleness. It’s not mandatory to think about something new or different no matter what: depending on each specific situation it may be totally unnecessary.
Elegant comes from the latin word “eligere” which means “to choose”.
Q: What kind of clarity – spatial or even emotional – can essential design bring to daily life?
A: Lightness. Lightness in terms of either space and emotions. As a mirror of our beliefs, we’d like to refer to “American Lessons” by the Italian writer Italo Calvino: “ my working method has more often than not involved the subtraction of weight.” The writer is talking about the narrative structure but this same metaphor can be used for designers and architects themselves: Through the use of light and space we are able to create a support to enjoy a better life.
As a mirror of our beliefs, we’d like to refer to “American Lessons” by the Italian writer Italo Calvino: “ my working method has more often than not involved the subtraction of weight.”
About the Project
This is a Manifesto of Ministudio Architetti’s design philosophy. Its renewal is based on minimalism and elegance as a signature style.
“Elegantia,” Latin for “Elegance,” comes from the verb “eligere,” which means “to choose.” Every stylistic choice has been thoroughly thought throughout its essence.
Cutting out the unnecessary to the point where nothing can be moved out of place without mixing up with the whole project itself.
Both the square footage of the flat and the view of the city port from the terrace have inspired their space-saving solution driven by the main concept of the horizon.
The open terrace is integrated with the living room and separated from the kitchen area by a concrete slab coated wall.
A small corridor emerges from the edge of the kitchen where rooms and bathroom spread. At the bottom, a mirrored door reflects the outside view as a framed painting.
At first glance they may just be seen as architectural items combined together but actually every detail has been meticulously designed.
They are a background for the main characters: The Kubus sofa by Hoffman stares silently at the sea meanwhile a group of Chiavarine chairs are chitchatting under the vigilant eye of the “Lampe de Marseille” by Le Corbusier.
Every material and covering have been chosen following that same fil rouge including color combination and tactile feelings: a customized limestone “Crema Luna” paving gently leads people to the bathroom where a custom-made shower tray welcomes them. The brutalist concrete slabs antagonize the flamed oak while Fenix black can be found both in the kitchen and the bathroom creating a graphic connection between these two rooms.
The lighting project enhances the contrasts and emphasizes the emptiness as a focal point of a new minimalism that responds to the essence of contents and absence of superfluous.
Ilaria Cargiolli &
Barbara Bacigalupo
Ilaria Cargiolli &
Barbara Bacigalupo
Project
Elegante
Studio:
Ministudio Architetti
Lead Architect:
Ilaria Cargiolli & Barbara Bacigalupo
Year of Completion:
2024
Location:
Genoa, Italy
Contacts
Website:
www.ministudioarchitetti.com
Instagram:
@ministudio_architetti
Email:
info@ministudioarchitetti.com
Project Photography
Barbara Bacigalupo
Edited by:
Tanja Završki
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3 Questions for Ilaria Cargiolli & Barbara Bacigalupo
We’re used to think about minimal spaces as empty and cold shells but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Q: What is the biggest challenge when designing a clean and minimal space?
A: The biggest challenge is creating a minimal but cozy space. We’re used to think about minimal spaces as empty and cold shells but it doesn’t have to be that way. Simply by combining warm and natural-inspired colours and materials we can help develop an idea where the empty space between individual items has a leading role in defining the concept of a comfy space
Q: What does “elegance” mean to you in architecture?
A: Elegant comes from the latin word “eligere” which means “to choose”. Architecture and design are the result of tireless choices and continuous research. Elegance in architecture and life as well is a perfect balance between gracefulness and simpleness. It’s not mandatory to think about something new or different no matter what: depending on each specific situation it may be totally unnecessary.
Elegant comes from the latin word “eligere” which means “to choose”.
Q: What kind of clarity – spatial or even emotional – can essential design bring to daily life?
A: Lightness. Lightness in terms of either space and emotions. As a mirror of our beliefs, we’d like to refer to “American Lessons” by the Italian writer Italo Calvino: “ my working method has more often than not involved the subtraction of weight.” The writer is talking about the narrative structure but this same metaphor can be used for designers and architects themselves: Through the use of light and space we are able to create a support to enjoy a better life.
As a mirror of our beliefs, we’d like to refer to “American Lessons” by the Italian writer Italo Calvino: “ my working method has more often than not involved the subtraction of weight.”
About the Project
This is a Manifesto of Ministudio Architetti’s design philosophy. Its renewal is based on minimalism and elegance as a signature style.
“Elegantia,” Latin for “Elegance,” comes from the verb “eligere,” which means “to choose.” Every stylistic choice has been thoroughly thought throughout its essence.
Cutting out the unnecessary to the point where nothing can be moved out of place without mixing up with the whole project itself.
Both the square footage of the flat and the view of the city port from the terrace have inspired their space-saving solution driven by the main concept of the horizon.
The open terrace is integrated with the living room and separated from the kitchen area by a concrete slab coated wall.
A small corridor emerges from the edge of the kitchen where rooms and bathroom spread. At the bottom, a mirrored door reflects the outside view as a framed painting.
At first glance they may just be seen as architectural items combined together but actually every detail has been meticulously designed.
They are a background for the main characters: The Kubus sofa by Hoffman stares silently at the sea meanwhile a group of Chiavarine chairs are chitchatting under the vigilant eye of the “Lampe de Marseille” by Le Corbusier.
Every material and covering have been chosen following that same fil rouge including color combination and tactile feelings: a customized limestone “Crema Luna” paving gently leads people to the bathroom where a custom-made shower tray welcomes them. The brutalist concrete slabs antagonize the flamed oak while Fenix black can be found both in the kitchen and the bathroom creating a graphic connection between these two rooms.
The lighting project enhances the contrasts and emphasizes the emptiness as a focal point of a new minimalism that responds to the essence of contents and absence of superfluous.
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