Duo of designers presents their work and the result of the Brazil-Italy mix
Designers Niccolò Adolini, left, and Daniel Simonini, right, founded Italian-Brazilian studio ADOLINI+SIMONINI in 2012.
They met in 2011, while still working in the studio of designer Rodolfo Dordoni. Niccolò Adolini studied architecture in Mendrisio, Switzerland, completing his studies in Rome. His current partner, Brazilian Daniel Simonini, attended industrial design at Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan. In addition to intellectual affinity — and the declared passion for the capital of Italian design — the two cultivate the desire to act in the global design scene, with Brazil as its home and Italy as a frequent stop. "We create minimalist pieces plus special details. They are the ones who distinguish our furniture", comments Simonini, who alongside the partner, presented the work of the duo to the readers of Casa.
How do you approach a furniture project?
Niccolò Adolini: Always starting from scratch, without references to pre-existing projects. In general, we elaborate our collections from concepts that can be graphic or linked to new technologies. Often, the answer can come from the application of innovative materials, since they suggest us forms of work that end up dictating the final result. In addition, we always seek to create elegant products that can participate in people's lives in a harmonious way.
Two round side tables from the DonaFlor Furniture collection.
How do you face the challenge of designing for various companies while preserving your identity and the image of each of them?
Daniel Simonini: We seek to work with partners with whom we have common values. We know that synergy in creative production comes with time. Thus, we always seek to solidify our partnerships, as opposed to permeate our portfolio with superficial projects in a large number of companies. It is a daily challenge, because our work, in addition to mirroring their values, must be true to our convictions. We chose to collaborate with DonaFlor Furniture, Emporium of Chairs and Piu Mobile because they are companies that develop our products with extreme care, making our design clear. For us, a good project is only carried out with excellence, quality and attention.
has living in Italy influenced your work?
Daniel Simonini: Over the eight years I spent in Italy, in addition to completing my master's degree, I was able to work with great masters of design. Initially, designer Ferruccio Laviani opened the doors of a world I didn't know about. Then came cutting-edge studios such as Piero Lissoni, Roberto Palomba and Rodolfo Dordoni. My partner is graduated in Rome, and also has a solid background in industrial design. Undoubtedly, in every trace and thought we carry the baggage acquired in the years of formation in Italy, in addition to the love for the place where we feel at home, Milan. City that, in addition to giving us instruments, showed us the importance that we designers have for society.
