Good Design is Universal, the Views of Architect Gae Aulenti

This article is based on the original by Sharon Kemp, Star Home Writer, titled “Good design is universal, says renowned architect,” published in the Toronto Star (Canada) on April 6, 1986.

In 1986, at 58, Gae Aulenti was widely regarded as one of the most influential architectural professionals. She visited Toronto to deliver a lecture sponsored by the Istituto Italiano Di Cultura and the University of Toronto. Despite her unassuming appearance in a tweed jacket and sensible shoes, Aulenti’s international reputation was extraordinary. She was celebrated for her work as an exhibition designer, set designer, and architect of corporate and public spaces and private homes.

A Holistic Design Philosophy

Aulenti designed furniture for Knoll and often created furniture, lighting systems, and even hardware for the spaces she designed, emphasizing the importance of total harmony. She stressed to young architectural students the importance of a broad education: “Architecture is complex work. In order to do well, you must always study—not just about buildings, but philosophy, history, art, and music.”

Balancing Modernity and Tradition

Although she described her outlook as thoroughly contemporary, Aulenti’s professional approach showed profound respect for the past. She believed that great cities are not built by destroying what exists and rebuilding but through a careful transformation process.

An exemplary project of this philosophy is the Gare d’Orsay in Paris. Originally built as a railway station at the turn of the century, the enormous dome-shaped structure was transformed into the Musee d’Orsay, housing a superb collection of 19th-century art in a series of new spaces created within the old shell. “The challenge here,” says Aulenti, “was to reconcile the monumental character of the building with the scale of the artwork to be displayed.”

Projects and Reflections

At the time of the interview, Aulenti was involved in restoring and refurbishing Palazzo Grassi in Venice, a 16th-century structure set to host an important exhibition on futurism. Despite her success, Aulenti remained realistic about the architectural process. “There is never total freedom in architecture,” she said, noting the significant interplay between architect and client.

Personal Design Experiments

Her home in Milan served as an experimental space, housing many prototype objects of her design. “It’s a house without any doors,” she explained, “where people can come and go as they choose. The windows are huge and without curtains.”

Aspirations and Dreams

When asked if there was any commission she hadn’t had the opportunity to tackle, Aulenti’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “A brand new island,” she replied with a grin, “right in the middle of your beautiful Lake Ontario.”

Sources

Sharon Kemp Star Home Writer. (1986, April 6). Good design is universal, says the renowned architect. Toronto Star (Canada).

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