Future Focus

For the 2019 edition of the id Design Awards, identity eagerly anticipates the return of Marco Piva as Head Juror. Here, the architect and designer gives insights into the workings of his global design practice and shares his perspective on the importance of Dubai’s id Design Awards.

- Jennifer Copley

It is an honour to welcome Marco Piva to this year’s edition of the identity Design Awards. Marco has been Head Juror since the inception of the awards, which are now in their fourth year. 2019 has been a busy year for the architect and designer, who has been engaged in projects that span disciplines and cross continents. “Our design activity this year has been very intense, ranging from product and interior design to architecture and master planning,” explains Piva. “It is a 24-hour activity being constantly connected to the extremes of the globe, from Los Angeles to Melbourne.” With offices in the UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Qatar, UAE, Algeria, Australia and the USA, the designer runs a truly global and multicultural design practice. Whether designing on an intimate scale for the home, or for vast public spaces such as tourist villages and congress centres, Piva is renowned for his creative and holistic approach.

This year saw the famed designer launch a range of new products that epitomise his versatility and innovation. Collaborations with OAK, Rubelli, Citco, Riva 1920, Sicis and other brands such as Alma Design, Bencore, Italamp, Penta, Rever and Visionnaire were showcased at this year’s Salone del Mobile. Cinecittà for Rubelli features a range of furniture pieces named after legendary Italian film stars. The collection embodies the concept of timeless design, which is paired with inbuilt versatility. Magic Cave was created in collaboration with Citco and combines advanced technology with classic materials, resulting in a sculptural marble bathtub with shower that’s been inspired by subterranean caves. An elegant approach to functionality is at the core of Piva’s My Private Boutique for Sicis. The modular storage system unites the concept of a large private walk-in wardrobe space with the aesthetics of a boutique.