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In Profile: M+N architecture

In Profile: M+N architecture

Shortlisted: for 1 Category

The International Hotel & Property Awards 2024

The International Hotel & Property Awards 2024

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.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

Sustainability

Biophilic Design

Well being

Humanization of the project

Recovery

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Without a doubt, in my approach to the project, everything starts and revolves around the person. All projects take into account who uses them and what feelings they may have when experiencing those spaces.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

In our philosophy, participating in such a prestigious award increases the motivation to always do better.

What projects are you currently working on?

OMG. How can I list them all? Certainly one of the projects that has been accompanying me for a long time is the expansion of the Relais and Chateaux in Ostuni (in southern Italy), but in the meantime a villa in Al Ain, the restoration of some historic buildings in Italy, the new HQ for the Malaysian state oil company Petronas, the expansion of the offices of the European Delegation in Abu Dhabi and some projects for New York University Abu Dhabi.

What was your favorite project to work on and why?

I am a very lucky person, because I love my job and I have fallen in love with all the projects I have worked on. Without a doubt, one of the most exciting moments in my professional career was when we designed 4 spas for 4 different resorts at the same time. (one of these being the Hilton spa project, nominated and shortlisted for this award.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

The first time we designed a Spa in 2015 was undoubtedly a challenge and, considering that the following year we also won the award for best Spa, it was a great satisfaction.

But certainly the most challenging project we worked on was the design of the new offices for Flash Entertainment (now renamed Ethara) at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. An incredibly dynamic work environment, designed according to the principles of Biophilic Design, created within the grand stands of the famous F1 circuit. The project envisages that every year during the F1, the offices that host more than 100 people will be ‘dismantled and reassembled’ once the competition is over. Abu Dhabi | 2023

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

I am a very curious person and I always like to experiment with new materials or materials made especially for me. Of course I can’t give up my moodboards.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

We are completing a number of projects that we can’t wait to photograph and showcase. Personally, my desire is to design a retirement home for elderly people suffering from dementia according to the principles of Biophilia.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations: Your most treasured possession?

My home. Can I say that? The renovation project of an apartment in the heart of Florence which, like a tailoring project, I sewed around myself.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Indonesia. I recently returned from a trip to that country that steals my heart.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

I really like traveling and for work I am often forced to sleep and eat outside the home. I don’t have a favorite place, I should have at least one in every city I’ve visited. I love those places that make me feel at home or that intrigue me a lot.

Your favourite book, film & song?

I read a lot of books especially during my travels so I can’t have a favorite book. I don’t like action films and I listen to a lot of music by Italian singer-songwriters and jazz.

Your favourite food and drink?

Even though I’m Italian, I don’t like pasta. I love trying all the typical foods of the various countries I visit. This enriches me a lot. In general I prefer vegetable-based dishes.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

I don’t have many free afternoons but without a doubt my favorite pastime is creating tropical terrariums.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I would open a concept store inspired by nature. I would like to spend time surrounded by things that remind me of Nature.
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