Correcting CONFUSION
Houses in Kolkata give Patrizia Guiotto the bends and she aims to make amends, writes Mathures Paul
PATRIZIA Guiotto takes pride in believing that “nothing in life flows in a straight line. Life is full of curves”. This renowned Italian industrial designer was recently in Kolkata to not only address architects and interior designers but to discuss projects she may work on next year.
An industrial designer since 1984 for numerous firms like Linea Zeta and Tosimobili — world-leaders in kitchen design – she kicked off on her own from 1990 by designing chairs, sofas and tables for companies like Tonon, Bross, Varaschin, Finazzer and Segis. “I look at houses in the city and feel there’s no architectural harmony, just casual pieces put together. There’s no connection between floors, walls and ceilings. It’s an artistic disaster, with a few exceptions,” she says. “But I’m fascinated by architectural techniques prevalent in India. More and more people are getting in touch with me for various projects. My dream projects are modelled on hotels. I like to take guests to a world miles away from the hustle and bustle outside. I want to add an Italian touch to Indian designs,” she says, without disclosing much about the projects she may lay her hands on. But she promises to be back early next year with concrete plans, adding that “Kolkata is the most cultural city in India. A foreigner’s eye can drink in details better than a local who takes so much for granted. Familiarity breeds contempt”.
Several of her designs have been chosen by hotel chains such as Marriot and Sheraton and her furniture has even been chosen for world famous cruise ships and for the Hall of the Theatre of Budapest and the Toyota Lexus head office in Tokyo. She’s also designed mansions and “artistic glasses” for art galleries.
Dig deeper and you find Guiotto’s been inspired by the architectural grandeur of Venice from the time she was born and where, soon enough, she discovered techniques of combining colour. “I don’t have a favourite colour. It all depends on the space I’m working with. Much of my work is inspired by nature. In nature, plants constantly grow and this finds voice in my designs.” A PhD in architecture, she has designed renowned mansions in her country. “I work on specific problems my clients may be experiencing. My job is to provide solutions. During the early phases of most projects, work is done by hand and, in the later stages, the aid of computers is resorted to.”
Discussing colour schemes, she says, “Let’s take the simple example of an entrance. The colour used should give a hint of curiosity. If the colour doesn’t surprise, why should you enter the building? When it comes to living rooms, people want to show what they need to express and not what they are. It’s like a visiting card. So warmer tones can be used for that cosy touch.”
The most important aspect of her work lies in the usage of curves. Every piece she creates has curves, for she believes straight lines are cold. Even a normal table has slits to break the monotony.
Earlier, she addressed realtors and interior designers at Oxford Bookstore where she mesmerised everyone with her sleek creations.
PATRIZIA Guiotto takes pride in believing that “nothing in life flows in a straight line. Life is full of curves”. This renowned Italian industrial designer was recently in Kolkata to not only address architects and interior designers but to discuss projects she may work on next year.
An industrial designer since 1984 for numerous firms like Linea Zeta and Tosimobili — world-leaders in kitchen design – she kicked off on her own from 1990 by designing chairs, sofas and tables for companies like Tonon, Bross, Varaschin, Finazzer and Segis. “I look at houses in the city and feel there’s no architectural harmony, just casual pieces put together. There’s no connection between floors, walls and ceilings. It’s an artistic disaster, with a few exceptions,” she says. “But I’m fascinated by architectural techniques prevalent in India. More and more people are getting in touch with me for various projects. My dream projects are modelled on hotels. I like to take guests to a world miles away from the hustle and bustle outside. I want to add an Italian touch to Indian designs,” she says, without disclosing much about the projects she may lay her hands on. But she promises to be back early next year with concrete plans, adding that “Kolkata is the most cultural city in India. A foreigner’s eye can drink in details better than a local who takes so much for granted. Familiarity breeds contempt”.
Several of her designs have been chosen by hotel chains such as Marriot and Sheraton and her furniture has even been chosen for world famous cruise ships and for the Hall of the Theatre of Budapest and the Toyota Lexus head office in Tokyo. She’s also designed mansions and “artistic glasses” for art galleries.
Dig deeper and you find Guiotto’s been inspired by the architectural grandeur of Venice from the time she was born and where, soon enough, she discovered techniques of combining colour. “I don’t have a favourite colour. It all depends on the space I’m working with. Much of my work is inspired by nature. In nature, plants constantly grow and this finds voice in my designs.” A PhD in architecture, she has designed renowned mansions in her country. “I work on specific problems my clients may be experiencing. My job is to provide solutions. During the early phases of most projects, work is done by hand and, in the later stages, the aid of computers is resorted to.”
Discussing colour schemes, she says, “Let’s take the simple example of an entrance. The colour used should give a hint of curiosity. If the colour doesn’t surprise, why should you enter the building? When it comes to living rooms, people want to show what they need to express and not what they are. It’s like a visiting card. So warmer tones can be used for that cosy touch.”
The most important aspect of her work lies in the usage of curves. Every piece she creates has curves, for she believes straight lines are cold. Even a normal table has slits to break the monotony.
Earlier, she addressed realtors and interior designers at Oxford Bookstore where she mesmerised everyone with her sleek creations.
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