June 24, 2016
We took a visit to the old studio of Vico, the architect + designer. The studio was modest, but the beauty was in the details. The front space had been set as a welcome + learning space for visitors, showcasing some of Vico’s work (which is still being continually documented by his granddaughter).
Then, one travels into his office. Apparently he didn’t allow a computer into this room until 2003, and even at this, Vico never touched it. The most he would allow before that time was a phone and a fax machine. He kept a mirror by his window, so that from his desk he could look out and see the reflection of a building his father (or possibly grandfather, my notes got smeared at this part) had built. Milan was indeed his city.
In his meeting room, a table with a large white light hanging above it and his seats (along with some of Kartell’s) encompassing it, we learned of his life. His granddaughter sat at the head of the table and recalled his projects, mainly held over the phone, relaying his ‘simple’ ideas to manufactures. The statement, “That’s so stupid I could do it myself,” was indeed his favorite compliment.
The simple yet genius (and what he definitely considered genius) nature of his thought shows in the simple yet beautiful + functional designs of his lamps and chairs.
“Look at usual things with unusual eyes” – Vico Magistretti