How architecture strives for beauty

EDITORIAL

“Continuous and constant dialogue with the architecture of the past is what allows the architecture of today to strive for perfection and therefore beauty.” These were the thoughts of Swiss architect Luigi Vacchini that inspired his Italian colleague Gaspare Bellafiore in his renovation of a house in Trapani for Lebanese chef and author Anissa Helou. “For people, building means guiding light in a space through materials and structures,” added Vacchini. And Bellafiore believes that “in the words of Gio Ponti, they have the inescapable task of stimulating the intellect.” The homes that Ville&Casali presents to its readers every month through the medium of photography, or “the art of capturing light”, strive to showcase the beauty of architecture and Italian furniture. One such example this month is a villa in Girona, Spain, renovated by Spanish architect Glòria Duran, as well as a farmhouse in Pesaro renovated by interior designer Dario Turani, both of which celebrate the harmonious union of the surrounding landscape with design.

Made in Italy furniture adds a touch of luxury to the interior. Both renovations adhere to a modern rustic style. “The colour palette that drives this style,” writes Claudia Schiera in the Get inspired column, “consists predominantly of neutral tones inspired by shades of nature and which blend seamlessly with the colours of any reclaimed materials. White, which is often the predominant colour, is flanked by sage, eucalyptus and olive shades of green, by terracotta and by ochre yellow, with a preference for a subtle, softer colour palette. The goal of designers who are proponents of the modern rustic style is to create homes that are harmonious, airy and welcoming, in which the architecture of the house itself takes centre stage.” It is precisely the slightly wild landscape of lower Maremma that attracts many Italians and overseas visitors to Capalbio, the destination of this month’s report. Investors are searching for farmhouses on a large plot benefitting from sea views, just as the ancient Romans did in the nearby Valle d’Oro (Golden Valley), and they are driving a vibrant property market. Popular with intellectuals, politicians and business people alike, Capalbio is now starting to attract art and literature lovers thanks to the multitude of events in the social calendar. It is no accident that it is known as “little Athens”.