Italian Design and Architecture in Asia

Italian design and architecture arrived as a fashion symbol in Asia in the nineteenth century when the introduction of some of the continent’s most magnificent structures were erected. This spelled the beginning of setting a scene for a marketplace that is now thriving with Italian restaurants, designer clothing, modern Italian style apartments with Italian design and architecture holding up the industry as the backbone to this incredible demand for all things Italian in the continent.

Annibale Rigotti

It was Annibale Rigotti, historically one of the greatest Italian architects, who first stirred the Asia/Italian mix. The esteemed designer and architect came to Asia visiting Bangkok with an entourage of two well-known Italian designers, Mario Tamagno and Ercole Manfredi. The trios’ mission was to design a series of bravura buildings the Italian way, and subsequently they influenced a flurry of structures throughout the capital.

• Palace and the Bang Khun Phrom Palace
• Anantasamakhom Throne Hall
• Government House of Thailand

In 1925 Annibale Rigotti designed and oversaw the construction of Villa Norasingh assisted by Italian Ercole Manfredi. Later in 1941 the Thai government purchased the property, and it has since been known as Government House, which houses the office for the prime minister where powerful and influential leaders from Asia as well as around the world experience the delight of Italian architecture when they visit.

Yoshio Taniguchi

Even the famous Japanese designer Yoshio Taniguchi has expressed his admiration for Italian design. In his Italian Asia Society Texas Center project he opted for the Basaltina Italian Stone flooring made from volcanic stone. The material is quarried close to Rome and ages naturally allowing it to be polished to bring it back to life thus never needs replacing. Tniguchi admires the material so much he has used it on many of his developments.

Galileo Chini

Italian art has embedded itself once again in Bangkok. King Rama V requested Galileo Chini’s unique skills to provide Italian paintings and decorations to garnish the walls and domes of Ananta Samakhom.

Bruno Munari

In Japan Munari uses Zen as a synthetical object to bring a unique and graceful style to his work. He uses minimum efforts to blend in simplicity to complement Japanese style houses with lightness in his works mixed in with the dusty marble look that is often found in the homes of Italy.

China

In China classic Italian design is booming alongside the mass construction projects in the country. In fact Western architecture in China is taking its grip on the way Chinese structures are being designed and erected complimenting the cultural, social and historical elements of Western design.

• Lab-Yit is in Beijing bringing Italian design in China as a primary example of how Italy has become a part of Chinese contemporary art and design Western style. Here people can visibly see and experience Italian style and appreciate how well integrated Italian architecture, art and design is within today’s modern Asian societies.

A final word

From its diverse background, today’s Italian design and architecture has made its home in Asian culture sharing its vibrant, lively, and charming designs. Out of this remarkable marriage where East meets West the Asian/Italian tradition hasn’t just stayed alive in the world’s largest continent, but flourished within the radar of modernity-obsessed Asia. Italian interior design is in demand with chic Italian apartments and condos constantly and evidently being developed in a market that shows a strong continuation of growth alongside the growing Asian economies.

Alifer in Asia

Alifer is proud to become a part of a prosperous and ever-growing Italian influence in Asia. Our mission is to strive to pay tribute to Italian design and architecture continuing the work of historical Italian designers who first brought Italy to Asia.

We aspire to assist in the delivery of Italian design and architecture into countries in Asia through quality service delivery introducing Italian architecture and design businesses into Asia through a trustworthy and highly efficient supply chain and sales systems.

Our clients trust in us as we trust in our clients to speak for the industry not just through words, but simply through their aptitude for crafting eloquence and a speechless talent for design.