For some people, designing a chair is more than resorting to cliché, and the Milan based designer Stefano Bigi certainly belongs to this clique. Stefano’s designs embrace fluidity, incorporating variable contours and asymmetrical shapes. On visiting his website, it’s crystal clear that Stefano’s creations exemplify his affinity to experimentation and sophistication. Wanna know this talented designer better? Jump to the interview
Radhika- Stefano, considering your work in area of design you seem to be emphasizing on the element of compactness as well as the rounded edges quite a lot. Any particular reason?
Stefano-I love that my furniture can be transformed and bring something more. According to me, a piece of furniture is made to be lived and to live with its owners. That’s why I love the hidden footstools, poufs as in the Globos, perfect to receive a couple of unexpected friends at the eleventh hour.
Regarding the rounded edges … I don’t know really why … It’s pure, it looks good … and it’s really 70’s!
Featured above is the Globos chair that cleverly hides the extra seating inside its body- by Stefano Bigi.
Radhika- How you’ve evolved as a designer? What efforts do you make to keep a balance between the evolving technologies, consumer requirements and your obsession?
Stefano- The idea for becoming a designer stroke me a decade ago. I moved to Milan to realize my cherished dream.
Featured above is the Dolce Vita-An astonishing lounge armchair by Stefano Bigi
A piece of furniture is not just a designer’s output to me, it is the result of the cooperation between designer’s insight and manufacturer’s technical skills, between the form and the technical imperatives. Balance between innovation and rationalization, this is the engine pushing me towards new horizons.
Featured above is the Molecule-A modular seat available in four versions by Stefano Bigi
Radhika- Stefano, did you ever face any hurdles in your career ? I’d also like to know about your biggest creative influences?
Stefano- Some hurdles ? Often ! … But they are necessary to go ahead.
My inspiration comes from my love for nature and for the seventies. I love the seventies for their airiness, for their denying conventions, for that feeling permeating the air which allowed to create anything. From the designer’s world, the visions which influence me are mainly from Pierre Paulin, Joe Colombo, Werner Panton and Achille Castiglioni.
Featured above is the Castiglioni-arco by Achille Castiglioni
Featured above is the Paulin groovy by Pierre Paulin
Featured above is the Colombo-Elda by Joe Colombo
Radhika- Which is your favourite project till date, out of your repertoire? Enunciate the reason as well? I hope you won’t mind sharing your wildest dream design here?
Stefano- The panton chair is the first cantilevered chair to be moulded from a single piece of plastic. The resulting design was as artistically pleasing as a piece of modern sculpture, yet durable and easy to clean. It could very well be the ultimate chair for cafes, restaurants, family dining rooms and even outdoor use, but is comfortable enough to lounge in.
This chair has been made in 1959 and still now, it’s one of the best chair in the world.
Featured above is the Panton Chair
Radhika- Stefano,it is a general notion that Italians are afraid of unemployment, criminality and pollution. What are you afraid of regarding the future?
Stefano- I am afraid of the lack of water. We can live without petroleum, without money, without design … but it’s impossible to live without water. We don’t take care enough of the water wasting.
Hey, before we wrap the interview please answer the following questions
What motivates you?
The idea of surpassing and an inspiration keeps me motivated.
Which food/dessert best describes your personal design style?
A japanese sushi: it looks very simple but it isn’t and it’s well-adjusted!
Eating what food brings back the best memories?
The spaghetti alle vongole. When I eat them, I am a 10 years old kid!
First thing you notice in a restaurant?
The chairs !
Best color for a front door?
It depends on the place and the type of construction.
Interior design piece at the top of your wish list?
The lounge Chair designed by Charles Eames.
Latest celebrity crush?
I’m not really a “people addict”!
You’ll always pick up the magazine if ____________________ is on the cover?
If an interesting designer (like Ross Lovegrove, Arik Levy or J.M. Massaud) is on the cover.
You never leave home without it
A notebook and my wedding ring.
I’d like to thank Stefano for sharing his valuable ideas with us. Stefano all the best for your future endeavors.
