The Village Collection by Salvatori: an interview with Rodolfo Dordoni
03.2022
Discover Rodolfo Dordoni’s thoughts about The Village, our exploration of the concept of home
We talk with Rodolfo Dordoni about The Village
Among the many aspects of life that changed in 2020 as a result of the pandemic was our perception of home. Perhaps previously a transitory, purely functional place for many, it became a haven and a place of safety where we sought to try and make sense of the world outside that had become almost unrecognisable.
With an abundance of time on our hands, many of us found ourselves reflecting on things we’d maybe not thought of in any deep way before, and we started to also understand that our home is a place for living and sharing in harmony and with love.
This change in thinking embraced the world, eliminating geographic, cultural and political distinctions and creating an extraordinary sense of a united global community. Inspired by this change of perspective and in celebration of the new heartfelt appreciation for home, Salvatori came up with the idea of creating a miniature village that would reflect this wonderful melting pot of backgrounds and cultures.
And so, The Village was conceived, a collection of tiny sculpture-like houses by renowned international architects and designers invited to bring the concept to life through their unique styles and ways of viewing the world.
Among those was the noted Milanese architect Rodolfo Dordoni, who interprets his vision of the essence of home in four extraordinary mini sculptures that showcase not only his masterful design eye, but also the glorious colours of the natural stone he chose for his works.
We talk to him about the creative process behind his contributions to The Village, and learn more about the influences that guide his work in general.
How do you see design within the context of natural stone?
In this case, it was the stimulus of finding a balance between an architectural idea, design logic and the sense of sculpture.
Speaking about The Village, in your view, how is design linked to our special places, those places we hold dear to our hearts?
Everyone has their iconic idea of home, right from early childhood, and I believe this then changes or matures over time. Design simply gives shape to that idea.
What principles guided you in designing your sculptures for The Village?
What really involved me here was the contrast between rationality and playfulness.
How important is functionality in design for you?
I’m a typical Virgo, so extremely rational, and this influences how I think about any object I design, but my ascendant is Scorpio, which tends to shake things up somewhat.
How do you see the role and contribution of sustainability in the future of design?
I think it’s time to stop just talking about making a contribution, instead, it should be a fundamental element of any design.
How did you find the experience of working with Salvatori?
Everything was conducted with good humour, and this made the time go quickly. It’s that same feeling or mood as when you’re waiting in line to get into a great concert.
What name did you give to your contribution and why?
Novecento, inspired by that movement’s purity of form.
What stones did you use for your pieces and why?
I chose four different types of marble, with Bianco Carrara, Pietra d’Avola, Verde Alpi and Rosso Collemandina, so as to introduce variety to the landscape, with a sandblasted finish to create a sense of warmth.
The concept of home as a place full of emotions, vitality and life is not limited to The Village, but is intrinsic to the Salvatori design philosophy. We are committed to creating accessories and furnishings that enhance everyday life by going beyond functionality and aesthetics to deliver a sensorial experience.
Gabriele Salvatori Talks about The Village: a collection of miniature houses inspired by the experiences of the 2020 Lockdown.
Discover Patricia Urquiola’s thoughts on design and The Village, our new project that explores the way we see our homes today
