It was a chance encounter, or rather, one that was intended by my university course in architecture. The catalyst was a lecture on lighting design given by Liliana Iadeluca together with Studio Azzurro.

After that lesson, I decided to write my degree thesis on the lighting of a public park in Liguria, where art and light interacted. From then on, I never strayed from that path and made it my job.

Bob Wilson, thanks to his wonderful way of designing lighting for the theatre, and Louis Clair, who trained me professionally: his theatrical scenographic vision transported into public spaces captivated me. He offered me my first serious job in his studio in Paris.

First of all, of course, I have to personally consider the project a success. Then the most important thing is to get positive feedback from people who have been to the place where I designed that particular lighting. If people recognise a particular psychological well-being or tranquillity, then for me the project has been a success.

I once met an Arab boy who, while walking through an alley in the historic centre of Genoa, was surprised to find a luminous inscription on the ground translated into his language. He was amazed but also happy, he felt included. That inscription spoke to him and his community.

I ride them. I always start from the most creative part, trying to maintain the initial idea throughout the entire design process. Sometimes this requires taking several steps back: always remembering where you started allows you to avoid being stifled by bureaucracy and constraints, keeping the beating heart of the project alive.

I imagine (and hope) that it will become a recognised profession like that of architect and engineer. I would like every architect to be obliged to consult with a lighting designer for every project related to architecture and urban planning. It cannot be a choice made by just a few. Above all, we must not be evaluated solely on the basis of our qualifications, but also on the quality of the projects we have carried out over the years. It is a debate that has been going on for years, but one that we as a country are not really resolving. In my opinion, we are now ready to find a solution. It would help to strengthen and spread the culture of light.

Well-being

The theatre

Determination. Difficulties are always just around the corner. You need to stay on the right path and move forward with your own ideas, teaming up with everyone who helps you realise your project. Even those who are less cooperative. And it takes a lot of humility.

In northern Europe, people live with too many hours of darkness each day. Alleviating the lack of light with artificial lighting that is well designed and energy efficient would be very beneficial.

The firefly (it’s a living creature and an object, I know😊). It’s incredible how such a tiny creature can emit light. I find it marvellous.

Very much so. Especially tools that are reliable in terms of long-term durability.
Power is not important to me, but lighting performance and light quality are extremely important.

They must constantly coexist. I like to collaborate with people who have specific technological skills to enrich my project. I rely heavily on those who know more than me, because together we can solve many problems and add significant value to the project itself.