Architectural + product design
CONNECTION 2016
‘CONNECTION’ was born from a brief that called for the design of a product to raise awareness on the plight of migrants journeying from North Africa to Italy. The installation was to be located in the First Aid Centre on the island of Lampedusa, Sicily. It was designed as an outdoor structure consisting of a net made of phosphorescent rope. Through appropriate hooks and supports, the net fills the space in a non-oppressive manner thus widening the limited area. A sense of playfulness and wonder was evoked by the green light emitting from the suspended rope. Considered therapeutic, the green light is the focal point of the project as it instills a sense of calm and confidence.
The net also represents a metaphor of the connection between individuals under a dire circumstance. The slender shape of the beams mimic blades of grass thus spurring associations to a new lease of life.
A key element of the project is the fact that the structure can be adapted, in accordance with the concept of ‘design for all.’ The construction elements are in fact standard and can be ordered based on the square footage of the area to be covered.
Handmade prototypes 2016
Prototypes of different industrial design objects.
Techniques: thermoforming, woodturning, sanding, spray-painting, polystyrene cutting.
Insepta 2017
‘Insepta’ is a refrigerator looking to introduce western society to a new kind of food that’s not well known yet: the grasshopper. Simone was first inspired to approach the topic when he became aware of the potential for insects to serve as a superfood. Beyond the nutritional factor, insect consumption intersects with a range of issues across the environment and the economy. Currently there are no specific refrigerators for insects. ‘Insepta’ has been designed after a careful analysis of the treatment of this food product in Southeast Asia.
Although the refrigerator’s main function is to conserve food, ‘Insepta’ wants to shape a new perception surrounding insects as a source of nutriment. From being avoided by the mainstream, the ‘Insepta’ will re-imagine insects as a desirable finger food for contemporary society.
