Design Matters with... Patricia Urquiola

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As the design world gears up for the 63rd Salone del Mobile fair, we speak to the Milan-based architect, designer and Cassina art director, Patricia Urquiola. Endlessly curious and always celebrating a life in flux, here is a designer who doesn’t believe in a signature aesthetic and prefers to ask questions, rather than seek answers.

What role does craft and design play in your life?

They are strongly connected. There is no dichotomy between industrial design and craftsmanship anymore, the topic has been enlarged to a broader discussion. I remember when one of my industrially produced pieces was mistaken for a handcrafted object and, conversely, an artisanal work was assumed to be industrially produced. These instances are interesting because they highlight the evolving relationship between the two disciplines. Technology has enlarged the possibilities of this dialogue. Digital tools, like 3D modeling and printing, give us the chance to explore forms and techniques that were once limited to artisans. The challenge is balancing these elements: using technology to enhance craftsmanship without losing the human touch and using traditional techniques with a contemporary language. 

How would you describe your interiors style?

I prefer not to define my work in terms of style or a signature. I believe in a process rather than a fixed aesthetic. If anything, my approach is dichroic, shaped by constant change. I move between scales and disciplines, from the meticulous details of a Capodimonte porcelain piece to large-scale architectural projects. What remains consistent is the meaning behind the project, the path we take rather than the destination itself. Every project is about human relationships, about working with those who share a passion for evolving, questioning, and discovering.

Venini Gio Ponti Canne Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase

AU$7,585
Venini - Gio Ponti Canne Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase -  - ABASK -

Venini Gio Ponti Canne Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase

AU$7,585
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Huh Myoung Wook Ottchil Copper Teapot

AU$2,855
Huh Myoung-Wook - Ottchil Copper Teapot -  - ABASK

Huh Myoung Wook Ottchil Copper Teapot

AU$2,855

Studio Shamshiri x ABASK Handwoven Cashmere Irregular-Border Blanket

AU$9,455 - AU$11,030
Studio Shamshiri x ABASK - Handwoven Cashmere Irregular-Border Blanket -  - ABASK -

Studio Shamshiri x ABASK Handwoven Cashmere Irregular-Border Blanket

AU$9,455 - AU$11,030
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Young Mi Park Handwoven Hanji Basket

AU$1,150
Young Mi Park - Handwoven Hanji Large Basket -  - ABASK

Young Mi Park Handwoven Hanji Basket

AU$1,150

Saved NY Basket Cashmere Pillow

AU$865
Saved NY - Basket Cashmere Pillow - Yellow - ABASK

Saved NY Basket Cashmere Pillow

AU$865

Andrea Tsang Terra Stoneware Espresso Cups and Saucers (Set 4)

AU$480
Andrea Tsang - Terra Stoneware Espresso Cups and Saucers (Set 4) -  - ABASK -

Andrea Tsang Terra Stoneware Espresso Cups and Saucers (Set 4)

AU$480

Jaejin Choi Hand-Carved Walnut Mixed Utensils (Set of 4)

AU$330
Jaejin Choi - Hand-Carved Walnut Mixed Utensils (Set of 4) -  - ABASK

Jaejin Choi Hand-Carved Walnut Mixed Utensils (Set of 4)

AU$330

Bitossi Ceramiche 1959 Ceramic Vase

AU$1,095
Bitossi Ceramiche - 1959 Ceramic Vase -  - ABASK -

Bitossi Ceramiche 1959 Ceramic Vase

AU$1,095
Six Senses Rome
What is the best craft or design gift you’ve ever received?

A gift I received from my friends: a Phonola radio, model 563, designed by the Castiglioni Caccia Dominioni studio. It turned out to be a good sign, as I later had the opportunity to work as an assistant to Castiglioni at the university.

What room in your home do you do your best thinking?

Not a room, but the terrace. Being outdoors, observing the layered spaces of my home and the city beyond creates a sense of openness. My house is above my studio, an extension of my workspace, and the architecture itself encourages interaction between interior and exterior.
 Also my office is linked to an outdoor small courtyard with plants, where, weather permitting, spring and autumn, I leave the door windows open, and it feels like a kind of outdoor connection.

“The greatest inheritance I can offer is the idea that differences should not be seen as barriers, but as strengths, as catalysts for new ways of thinking.”

Patricia Urquiola

What do you—or what would you like to—collect?

My home is very practical and constantly evolving. I don't build or collect things. The things that come into my home are usually part of a project (they come in and go out).
 This doesn't mean that I get rid of everything, but simply that I replace some objects with others. Many of my prototypes end up at home, and some of the things I have at home end up in the studio. I would say that my home is always in a state of prototype testing site.

What item in your home can’t you bear to part with?

Books, since I read and search constantly.  

il Sereno Hotel, Lake Como

F&M Ballarin Acquamarina Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase

AU$470
F&M Ballarin - Acquamarina Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase -  - ABASK

F&M Ballarin Acquamarina Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase

AU$470
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Rosemary Milner Floral Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion

AU$880
Rosemary Milner - Floral Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion -  - ABASK

Rosemary Milner Floral Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion

AU$880

Carlo Moretti Asymmetric Hand-Blown Murano Wine Glass

AU$205
Carlo Moretti - Asymmetric Hand-Blown Murano Wine Glass - ABASK --

Carlo Moretti Asymmetric Hand-Blown Murano Wine Glass

AU$205
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Fornasetti Uccelli Hand-Painted Wood Tray

AU$3,840
Fornasetti - Uccelli Hand-Painted Wood Tray -  - ABASK

Fornasetti Uccelli Hand-Painted Wood Tray

AU$3,840
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Poterie d’Évires Birds Hand-Painted Ceramic Cereal Bowls (Set of 4)

AU$435
Sold out
Poterie d’Évires - Birds Hand-Painted Ceramic Cereal Bowls (Set of 4) -  - ABASK

Poterie d’Évires Birds Hand-Painted Ceramic Cereal Bowls (Set of 4)

AU$435
Sold out

Ingot Objects Ash-Glazed Ceramic Teapot

AU$345
Ingot Objects - Ash-Glazed Ceramic Teapot -  - ABASK

Ingot Objects Ash-Glazed Ceramic Teapot

AU$345

Rachel Bower Handwoven Willow Asymmetric Utensils Basket

AU$295
Rachel Bower - Handwoven Willow Asymmetric Utensils Basket -  - ABASK

Rachel Bower Handwoven Willow Asymmetric Utensils Basket

AU$295

Rosemary Milner Seaweed Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion

AU$880
Rosemary Milner - Seaweed Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion -  - ABASK

Rosemary Milner Seaweed Hand-Embroidered Cotton Cushion

AU$880
What’s the greatest heirloom you’re most proud to pass on?

Not an object, but a mindset. My diversity. Being a woman architect, an expat, navigating both design and architecture in a predominantly male field, I never saw this as a limit—only as a way to carve my own path. The greatest inheritance I can offer is the idea that differences should not be seen as barriers, but as strengths, as catalysts for new ways of thinking.

What is your go-to gift for a host?

A book from an international book shop in my neighborhood. 

What are your study must-haves?

Books, phone, tablet, computer, objects, parts of objects, found objects, materials, samples, prototypes, drawing material, natural light, green tea. 

How do you approach designing work spaces? 

I think offices no longer conform to a standard, but become spaces with their own identity, transforming throughout the day, the week, and the years. I try to think of workspaces to encourage spontaneous interactions and flexible use, with different levels of privacy, adaptable layouts that support both collaboration and privacy. It’s important that these environments evolve with their users, promoting wellbeing and productivity.

This reminds me of Cassina IXC Aoyama in Tokyo. Here, we thought of the workspace as a dynamic environment, an open-plan workspace with flexible workstations and meeting rooms and office pods thoughtfully positioned around the main areas, crafting intimate spaces for conferences and formal meetings. All of these accessory spaces can be opened or closed off from the work areas using curtains. 

Patricia Urquiola will be unveiling collections at Cassina (where she is art director), Bitossi Ceramiche and Kartell, as well as working on an installation for Elle Décor Italia to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Her new hotel, Casa Brera, in the heart of Milan's design district, has also recently opened. 

F&M Ballarin Filigrana Hand-Blown Murano Glass Tumblers (Set of 6)

AU$730
F&M Ballarin - Filigrana Hand-Blown Murano Glass Tumblers (Set of 6) -  - ABASK -

F&M Ballarin Filigrana Hand-Blown Murano Glass Tumblers (Set of 6)

AU$730
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Ingot Objects Ash-Glazed Ceramic Serving Platter

AU$390
Ingot Objects - Ash-Glazed Ceramic Serving Platter -  - ABASK

Ingot Objects Ash-Glazed Ceramic Serving Platter

AU$390

Huh Myoung Wook Ottchil Metal Placemats with Leather Holder (Set of 5)

AU$3,840
Huh Myoung-Wook - Ottchil Metal Placemats with Leather Holder (Set of 5) -  - ABASK

Huh Myoung Wook Ottchil Metal Placemats with Leather Holder (Set of 5)

AU$3,840

Studio Shamshiri x ABASK Handwoven Cashmere Bold-Stripe Blanket

AU$4,730 - AU$11,425
Handwoven Cashmere Bold-Stripe Blanket

Studio Shamshiri x ABASK Handwoven Cashmere Bold-Stripe Blanket

AU$4,730 - AU$11,425
Shop the Collection

Young Mi Park Handwoven Hanji Lidded Box

AU$1,820
Young Mi Park - Handwoven Hanji Lidded Box -  - ABASK

Young Mi Park Handwoven Hanji Lidded Box

AU$1,820

Carlo Moretti Hand-Blown Murano Glass Bud Vase

AU$405
Hand-Blown Murano Glass Bud Vase

Carlo Moretti Hand-Blown Murano Glass Bud Vase

AU$405
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Antique and Vintage 1960s Ercole Barovier Spira Aurata Murano Glass Vase

AU$5,540
Antique and Vintage - 1960s Ercole Barovier Spira Aurata Murano Glass Vase -  - ABASK

Antique and Vintage 1960s Ercole Barovier Spira Aurata Murano Glass Vase

AU$5,540

Andrea Tsang Terra Stoneware Small Bowl

AU$295
Andrea Tsang - Terra Stoneware Small Bowl -  - ABASK -

Andrea Tsang Terra Stoneware Small Bowl

AU$295
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