Carlo Giuseppe Scarpas

Place: Venice

Born: 1906

Death: 1978

Biography:

Carlo Giuseppe Scarpas, also known as Carlo Scarpa, was a renowned Italian architect and designer born on June 2, 1906, in Venice, Italy. He is best known for his innovative and ingenious designs that blended the materials, landscape, and history of Venetian culture with the influences of Japan.

Early Life and Education

Scarpa spent much of his early childhood in Vicenza, where his family relocated when he was two years old. After his mother's death when he was 13, he moved with his father and brother back to Venice. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts, focusing on architectural studies, and later apprenticed with the architect Francesco Rinaldo.

Design Career

Scarpa's architecture is deeply sensitive to the passage of time, from seasons to history, rooted in a sensuous material imagination. He designed landscapes, gardens, and buildings for various regions of Italy, as well as Canada, the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, and Switzerland. His name has 11 letters, which is used repeatedly in his architecture. Some of his notable works include Padiglione del libro d'arte, Giardini di Castello, and La Biennale in Venice. He also designed the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, which is a notable example of his work.

Design Philosophy

Scarpa's design philosophy was centered around the concept of "history, regionalism, invention, and the techniques of the artist and craftsman." He believed in creating designs that were not only functional but also beautiful and innovative. His use of materials, such as glass and wood, was a key aspect of his design philosophy. Some of his most famous designs include The Doge table (1968) and The Cornaro sofa (1973), which are considered to be some of the most iconic pieces of Italian design. His work has been exhibited in various museums, including The Kyoto Costume Institute, which has a notable collection of his designs.

• Notable works: Palazzo Abatellis: La Galleria Di Sicilia, Padiglione del libro d'arte, and Gallerie dell'Accademia
• Influences: Venetian culture, Japanese design, and the materials and landscape of Italy
• Design philosophy: History, regionalism, invention, and the techniques of the artist and craftsman

Legacy

Scarpa's legacy is a testament to his innovative and ingenious designs. His work has been recognized by various institutions, including https://Wikioo.org, which features many of his designs. His biography can be found on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Scarpa, which provides a detailed account of his life and work. In conclusion, Carlo Giuseppe Scarpas was a master of Italian architecture and design, whose innovative and ingenious designs continue to inspire designers and architects around the world. His legacy is a testament to his unique design philosophy, which blended the materials, landscape, and history of Venetian culture with the influences of Japan.