CTRLZAK / INTERVIEWED JUST BEFORE MILANO DESIGN WEEK

How does CRTLZAK define its design philosophy?

It is definitely a hybrid philosophy… A philosophy that mixes different cultures, disciplines and viewpoints. In each project we take into consideration many different aspects from functionality to aesthetics and sustainability to semiotics. Of course depending on the nature of the project the attention towards one or another changes. For us it is important above all to have an open mind free of preconditions and stereotypes, creating work which is founded on meticulous research and reflection.

Why did you choose Milan to establish your studio?

When we decided to find a base the choice seemed obvious, in a sense… We had both lived for many years in Italy, well Katia all her life more or less, being Italian :-), and Milan is an interesting place which combines a lot of design related issues with a rather active art scene (even though it could be a bit more experimental). The Milan Design Week is also a very important factor because it brings together many different creative realities from around the world in one place.

Are you working on any projects for the next Milan Design Week?

At the moment we are working on many different projects and during the Milan Design Week we will present two collections of carpets produced by the French company cc-tapis: Cross(me)Knot and Ishihara Project. The first is a collection of three carpets and it enhances the company`s philosophy by working with traditional processes recomposed in contemporary forms. The second is a collection based on the Ishihara colour test utilised to determine colour vision defects like Daltonism; the message hidden in the carpets is readable only by colour-blinded people. We will also present a collection of alternative walking sticks made in turned-wood inspired by classic designs of traditional hand-turned furniture. Our porcelain collection Hybrid will be housed at the famous Gallery Rossana Orlandi, where we will present also the new pieces. At the Rho Fair you’ll find The Quartz Armchair with a new skin in a range of new naturally dyed leathers. In the same stand there will also be DEN and Bahut, two revised coffee tables entirely produced with natural materials by the Italian company D3CO. Finally in Ventura Lambrate, the more active Fuorisalone area, we will present a new knife concept based on the Disfunction theme at the Padiglione Italia exhibition.

What inspires you and why do you design intercultural style projects?

Everything around us is a source of inspiration and especially the things that many people do not see discarding them as mundane. Travelling is also a very large part of our inspiration pool. Coming into contact with new cultures and diverse environments is fundamental we believe for one’s cultural education. Through our travels we have come into contact with many different realities and this has become the basis for many projects we have developed, specially as far as Asia is concerned and in particular what is called in Europe the eastern culture.

Do you feel that clients now come to you seeking this particular style? Is there any special way of doing design/project to ensure the creativity quality and the clients` demands ?

Of course we have become known through some projects that examine the concept of intercultural hybridization and it is only normal that people sometimes expect of us these kind of approach, but that is not always the case. Our methodology is based on meticulous research and this means that depending on the project we have each time a different approach related to the questions at hand. There is not a secret formula to ensure creative quality but there are some key elements that according to our experience are important regardless the nature of the project. First of all, as I mentioned above a good research is essential and is sometimes half of the work. It is also very important to always question existing solutions, aesthetics, systems etc and not be afraid to rethink the whole structure of a creative problem. In our case art in particular serves as a primary filter and it is also a very important tool which allows us to view things from a more critical perspective.

Where do your major clients come from? What are the major areas to which your products are sold?

We have clients from various places and in various areas of interest (product design, interior design, contemporary art commissions etc.). At the moment our major clients (both private and corporate) are from Italy where we are based- and China. On the other hand our products are sold everywhere around the world… nowadays the world is a very small place.

Pomme Noir | Having tasted the forbidden fruit CTRLZAK`s Katia & Thanos have turned to the dark side (Thanos was already there…). A video portrait by photographer and filmmaker Athanasios Alexo.

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