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9 JUNE 2017

GIORGIO BONAGURO

Design

www.bonagurogiorgio.com

From mechanical engineering to industrial and interior design; when did you know you want to become a designer?

It might sound cliché, but I have always wanted to be a designer, or to put it differently, I have always felt the need to design "something": The only thing that has changed over the years is my design “targets”.

I initially began with houses, surf boards and boats, then I passed onto cars, and finally - upon my arrival in Milan, is when I realized that what I really wanted was to expand my horizon on other subjects - I dedicated my design practice on furniture, lamps and objects.

The mechanical engineering studies arose from my passion for cars and automotive materials (it was also interesting the internship on carbon fiber chassis, that I did at Pagani Automobili).

Which are the “ingredients” of Giorgio Bonaguro’s style of design?

The typical ingredients of my design style are: The simple and elegant shapes; the reference to my own life through things or places that have particularly impressed me; and last but not least, the use of different materials.

Form, color, proportion, functionality, material, and aesthetic: What role do they play in your creative process?

Earlier you had asked me about the “ingredients” of my design style; well, these are certainly among the main ones, just like salt, sugar, water and flour in the kitchen. The challenge revolves around setting them up in the best way possible according to the needs and expectations of a given project.

How important is tradition in your contemporary production process?

Tradition is part of my design process. I tend to work with various craftsmen who are the main witnesses of this tradition, knowledge and “saper fare”.

Nevertheless, let me add that this strong sense of tradition, can sometimes be a burden in design; we are all creatives with a pre-given background, who have to struggle to be recognized independently and individually. Therefore, I believe that it’s equally important to be free from any bounds and attempt to create, make mistakes, learn and retry, without necessarily looking at past examples before doing something.

In your opinion which design piece (archetype) is a typical challenge for designers?

The chair is undoubtedly the first archetype that comes to my mind. It's a challenge, and a nightmare at the same time. My question is: With all these chairs made, do we really need new ones?

Personal Success Is…

Feeling good with yourself and others.

What fears you (if anything) about the future in design?

The work of designers being less and less valuable and appreciated.

Three daily rituals of yours?

Going to the studio; turning on the pc; sketching.

Favorite fashion item?

Shoes and sunglasses (I'd love to design them).

What’s up next for Giorgio Bonaguro?

First of all, I am finishing up my new studio, which I will be sharing with two colleagues and friends; a photographer and a graphic designer. We found a magical place in Brianza, one of those places that make Italy unique! Coming up - June 13-18, 2017 - I will be presenting a limited edition project at Design Miami, Basel, in collaboration with Mercado Moderno Gallery from Rio de Janeiro. Additionally I'm working on new projects in Italy, Brazil and in the United States.

Content and Words Annie Markitanis

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