DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: I believe that it happens to everybody sometimes to want to flee from the chaos and problems of the world, to regenerate into a dimension where thoughts are light, bright ... When I was a child sometimes, in the evening, I imagined being surrounded by two large white wings (I do not know where sprouted!) which gave me a deep wellness ... In designing this chair I felt the need to recreate that sensation for those who would sit: so I started by drawing the profile of two wings, which had to be around the person, to wrap the body, and be at the same time structural. In seeking a formal synthesis, I tried to find a mark as possible sharp and continuous, or a wide arc. At that point I knew it could only be a rocking chair and that the swinging would favor the feel of being joyful and thoughtless. So I completed the structure, trying to connect the elements in a harmonious way.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: The prototype of 'Ali di luna' is part of the collection 'interioritratti' (www.interioritratti.com), the brand I created to start my projects artistically inspired. As I think this design fits well to serial production I want to propose it to an interested company. ‘Ali di luna’ could fit to special spaces, such as SPA, swimming pools, cocktails bars - in the oudoor and in the indoor - and private homes. I do not exclude, in collaboration with this company, to take care of some limited edition, characterized for example by special colors and graphic details.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
: Looking at the profile of the chair might seem also a half-moon. As I told before the design of the profile arises from an interpretation of imaginary wings and the goal was to obtain a dreamy structure, which would invite you to enjoy a relaxing state... almost as you were sit on the moon ... so here's the name 'Ali di luna' (Moon’s Wings)!
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
: In fact the very first maquette was handmade by a skilled modeler, Michele Garofalo, formed in Pininfarina, who lives and works now in Cagliari and in charge first of all of my objects made of carbon fiber. This maquette was 'proven' by a peluche, a little rabbit ... sitting over there seemed happy, so I went ahead. The life-size model was then developed by Piedmont craftsmen, I have to admit that it was done without any special equipment and technology, but with considerable attention. The guy who took care of the welds is almost 2 meters tall and quite strong and we have taken every precaution because he could sit down without the slightest concern.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: One of the main problems was the calibration of the baricenter, very well resolved with a few not visible expedients. According to the initial draft, the 'wings' were to be partially covered with fabric, but when I saw the structure finished, I realized it was so airy and particular that it doesn't need anything else. So I decided to make just a big soft cushion for the seat.