Interview with architect Giovanni Francesco Frascino

Nancy Amon _ homify Nancy Amon _ homify
L'architetto e i suoi progetti, giovanni francesco frascino architetto giovanni francesco frascino architetto
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Minimalism, sartorial, quality material, and meticulous attention to detail are just some of the quality traits that architect Giovanni Francesco Frascino takes into account when designing his projects and fittings. Not only is he an architect by trade, but also a teacher, inspiring the minds and creativity of others. One of Giovanni’s main modes of design is that of creating marquettes as a means to design as well as development for initial ideas for his projects.

Giovanni takes an approach that he calls “experimental, based on research”. Taking a model that has already established roots in the past, where architects continued to be master craftsmen. From the past, an architect can go ahead to re-create or define and further establish. 

Contemporary designs in the 21st Century revolved around CAD and virtual designs as well as speed. Does dexterity still exist in the design age, as we know it today?

Giovanni added that when the “mind” and the “hand” are separate, it’s without a doubt that a progressive and unavoidable alienation derives from this. However, when you craft a model and later see that model come to realization in the form of the complete building put together, it is then where true satisfaction can be experienced. Manual skills, otherwise known as, “craftsmanship” has over the years, become more appreciated. Today it’s with these skills that you can achieve true client satisfaction and add value to their concept.

One cannot simply think about an idea without taking action. This has been a highly debated topic for many years even on a sociological front, which brings to mind the likes of Thomas Hobbes, Richard Sinnett, and Enzo Mari. Today design can be considered more “rushed” at times, as the art of virtual dimension comes to the fore.

In Western cultures, the art of putting “hand’ with “mind” is somewhat challenged. Is that true?

When thinking about Ancient Greece, we can see the results of pure craftemanship almost a “demiurge” like display and that is the result of thinking and doing without clear separation. “In my opinion” Giovanni added, one has to go back to the beginning, and take inspiration from ancient places like Greece for example. After finding the place of formation, the next step is going back to humboldation model. In essence, take design back to the time of Renaissance and how it was as the design developed and crafted in the workshops of artisians.

My personal approach is taking on my project engaging my senses and experience, which is where true knowledge is born. In this way, the technique used is not detached from the thought, as mentioned earlier in an “experimental approach based on research”. 

For this reason, “the body” joined to “the mind” results in thought followed by action – Can this combination prove to be a solid basis even in a contemporary society?

It’s without a doubt that creating quality products will improve the lives of those who manufacture them, as well as the lives of the users. My concept and approach is to consider materials and the culture surrounding it and merge that with the philosophy of Richard Sennett, “to do is to think”

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