IN CONVERSATION WITH RODOLFO DORDONI

The Italian architect takes us through his impeccable design journey, emphasising on the need to be authentic in this evolving world

- KASHISH KAUSHAL

Born and brought up in the design capital of Italy, Rodolfo Dordoni’s personal approach to the discipline focuses on getting proportions right, whether he’s conceptualising a product or space. Studying fine arts as a young Milanese lad and architecture at the city’s Politecnico was purely an outcome of his instincts. Establishing his namesake practice Rodolfo Dordoni in 1979, he also revels his long standing and healthy working relationship with Minotti. As its art director, his interpretations of design have melded tradition and innovation. “When the company offered me the role, the aim was to renew Minotti’s identity. I proposed to create real collections and pieces that could be cohesive. Despite the fresh school of thought, it ascribes the ability to innovate the establishment’s spirit of continuity throughout”, he attributes.

His first job, in fact, was that of art director at Giulio Cappellini’s family furniture company, where he learnt the nuances of design right after completing his education. He reveals, “In the 70s, there were no design schools in Milan so I developed a personal approach on the basis of my architecture background. But eventually some great events guided me with a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm.” Over the years, Dordoni went on to collaborate with a number of boldface brands, including Cappellini, Foscarini, Artemide, to name a few, rendering him an iconic and formidable global recognition.