One of the most enigmatic and underappreciated architects of the 20th century, Carlo Scarpa (June 2, 1906 – November 28, 1978) is best known for his instinctive approach to materials, combining time-honored crafts with modern manufacturing processes.
© Luca Onniboni
Born in Venice and raised largely in Vicenza, an hour away, Scarpa idolized the work of the Vienna Secessionist Josef Hoffmann and Frank Lloyd Wright. He traveled extensively in Japan, which helped inform his appreciation of humble materials like reclaimed timber and rusted metal, and the preoccupation with details and hardware. But despite his wanderings, his loyalty ultimately lay with the artisans of Venice.
© Luca Onniboni
It was not until after World War II that Scarpa began to be recognized internationally for his architecture. This recognition led to a series of commissions in and around Venice—many of them involving the renovation of existing buildings, which became something of a trademark for Scarpa. Perhaps most famously, Scarpa’s renovation for the Museo Castelvecchio completed in 1964 carefully balanced new and old, revealing the history of the original building where appropriate. A revelation at the time, this approach has now become a common approach to renovation.
© Luca Onniboni
As a designer, Scarpa translated his interest in history, inventions and the techniques of the artist and craftsman into ingenious glass and furniture designs.
Photo: design-market.co
Doge Table
The Doge table is a dining table design by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina. Made of solid brushed steel base connected with brass socket screws. The top has a floating glass top with polished edges. With the Doge table, Carlo Scarpa takes an innovative approach to shapes and sizes, oriented toward an image of strength and character and facilitated by the author’s extraordinary ability to combine materials of different scale.
Photo: design-market.co
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
