Internationally renowned architects and designers gathered at the Italian Cultural Institute of London for the event “A History Architecture Design and FuoriSalone,” organised by the Institute, directed by Francesco Bongarrà, in collaboration with the magazine Interni on the occasion of its seventieth anniversary.
Deyan Sudjic, former Director of the Design Museum in London and the magazine Domus, columnist for Interni and co-author of the book 30 Years of FuoriSalone, Ron Arad, designer, Michele Pasca di Magliano, Director of Zaha Hadid Architects, and architect Claudia Pasquero, specialised in environmental biotechnologies, moderated by architect Carlo Biasia, discussed design, their professional and artistic ties with Italy, emerging trends, and their own projects.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome leading figures from the world of global design and architecture,” said director Bongarrà, introducing the guests to a packed hall, “and I’m delighted to continue the Italian Cultural Institute’s collaboration with Interni, a fruitful relationship that has lasted for years. I also wish a happy birthday to this wonderful magazine.”
Deyan Sudjic expressed his appreciation for the productive working relationship between British and Italian design. “Italy, thank you!” he exclaimed, recalling the years in Milan, the unrivalled capital of Italian design, where architects and designers such as Gio Ponti, Achille Castiglione, and Enzo Mari—who are still among the most renowned in the world—were trained.
Ron Arad spoke of his experience at the Salone and FuoriSalone. “It was in Milan,” he emphasised, “where I met all my heroes, especially Castiglione and Mari, but also Ettore Sottsass. And it’s in Italy,” he continued, “where you find the best artisans, those capable of creating prototypes that are often of higher quality than the final industrial product.”
Michele Pasca di Magliano shared with the audience some of the main projects of Zaha Hadid Architects, which he directs: “Our studio continues to grow. Our team now includes 500 people, and we are managing projects around the world.” “At present, we have 40 active construction sites in 28 countries,” he added.
Finally, Claudia Pasquero, from ecoLogic Studio, described her work focused on digital bio-design and the search for new natural technologies: “One example,” she explained, “is Tree.One, a piece of biotechnology that redefines the boundaries of what is natural and allows us to observe its impact on our future lives.”
The next event on architecture and design will take place on 18 September with architect Mario Cucinella, the designer of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, in conversation with Maria Porro, President of the Milan Furniture Fair, moderated by curator Priya Khanchandani, with the presence of Ambassador Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025.
