Name: Alessandra Barilaro
Company: M+N architecture
Position within company: Head of Interior Design
Website: https://www.mn-architecture.com/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Originally from Southern Italy, I graduated in Architecture and Design in Florence where I also attended the IDEM Master (Industrial DEsign Master) in Product Design at the Higher School of Industrial Technologies.
As an associate of the nEmoGruppo architecture firm, I won prizes and awards including an honorable mention at the 23rd Compasso d’Oro with the project for the “Universo Rietveld” exhibition at the MAXXI in Rome.
In 2004 I created missBABA, a product design studio, that exhibited in numerous fairs, including the GwanGju Design Biennale, the Salone Satellite in Milan and Rome, and the Florence Design Week.
In 2010 I was among the founders of M + N Architecture and became the company’s Head of Interior Design. Under my coordination, the firm, with offices in Italy and Abu Dhabi won prestigious design awards, including The Best International Hotel Spa Interior Award with Taj Exotica resort in Palm Jumeirah – Dubai; The Best Office Interior Abu Dhabi at the Luxury Lifestyle awards 2021 thanks to the project of the new Cyber Security department of NYUAD; the Best Spa Design at the Pool and Spa Awards in 2016 with LivNordic Spa and Wellness in Cayan Tower, the Best Large Corporate Space at the MEIDAA interior design awards 2015 with the new offices for Viola Communication.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I see in the empathic relationship with the client the fundamental factor for approaching the project, which I create on the basis of constant comparison, as well as on the perceptual analysis of space and objects by its users. To grasp the right perspective, I push research beyond traditional schemes, experimenting with architecture and design that are sustainable and responsive to the needs of today’s society. The aptitude for problem solving, for studying on different scales of reference – from micro to macro – make me a professional attentive and sensitive to the changes in the contemporary scenario.
I’m a generator of ideas, which I support with in-depth knowledge of the sector, a long-standing experience in the field of lighting design, a strong interest in Biophilia and indoor greenery; finally with particular talent in the management and follow up of the project.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I read lots of books and watch lots of documentaries on nature and animals. The behavior of flora and fauna fascinates me so much that in every project there is always something that recalls these themes. Shapes, colors and materials are undoubtedly inspired by the outside world (water, plants, light and earth become essential elements in the projects, sometimes as real elements, sometimes as indirect references). The spaces, when possible, take inspiration from the movements of animals and their behaviors.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Without a doubt, sustainability is a theme that will accompany the future of all projects (from micro to macro). From an environmental protection perspective, in my opinion, the approach will be to bring human beings closer and more aware of Nature.