Italy by Design: Spring Edition

Huge online success for ‘Italy by Design’ the ultimate event for Filipino Designers

The recently concluded "Italy by Design" virtual event caused great enthusiasm among design professionals in the Philippines. The extraordinary set of speakers from Italy and the Philippines and the presence of leading Italian designers and brands presenting their collections, design ideas and professional experiences, lead to a vital exchange of perspectives and visions that will definitely prove a valid asset in the times to come. The event was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines in partnership with the United Architects in the Philippines, the Infrastructure Construction Focus Group, the Philippine Institute of Interior Design and the Design Center of the Philippines with the contribution of media partners such as The Manila Times, Business Mirror and Focus Philippines. Some of the speakers included Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente; ICCPI President Sergio Boero; UAP National President Armando Eugene De Guzman III; Executive Director of Design Center Philippines Rhea Matute; Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID) President/Chairman Ivy Almario; Ecotecture Creative Director, Architect Liza Morales; Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) Chairman & CEO Architect Romolo Nati; Politecnico di Milano Design Department Associate Professor, Anna Barbara; Formitalia Luxury Group CEO, David Overi; HABITS Design Studio President, Innocenzo Rifino. The aim of this unique initiative was to connect the two worlds of design and create a permanent collaborative setting focusing on the world of design, including modern and sustainable architecture, interior and furniture design as well as industrial design. While UAP’s President De Guzman explained the various sub-sectors and initiatives of their organization, architects like Liza Morales and Romolo Nati explained how they used sustainable and green design in their work in various projects in the Philippines. The important relationship of happiness and interior design was underlined by PIID Ivy Almario who told the audience how, due to the pandemic, living spaces had become an extremely important factor for our wellbeing and how interior designers had to rethink their role in creating a psychologically positive and happy environment. Formitalia presented their unique furniture brands like Formitalia Glamour, Tonino Lamborghini Casa and Aston Martin with their unique lines and materials which will be on show during the “Salone del Mobile” in Milan in June. Their story about how, for 20 years, they create value in real estate projects by using their luxury interior concepts and project branding was truly inspiring and, as David Overi said, he hopes to see a potential “Tonino Lamborghini Residence” materializing soon also in the Philippines. Further, Professor Anna Barbara talked about the significance of the concept of design in Italy and how design thinking impacts everyday’s reality through the way we do things and the way we see the world. The Design Center of the Philippines, part of DTI, elaborated on their initiatives to help designers in their professional evolution while Innocenzo Rifino from HABITS Design Studio told us how he became an industrial designer and how this profession could become an important role also in the Philippine setting in the future. The event can be re-viewed on the Facebook page of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and more information can be obtained by writing to info@iccpi.org.ph.