Can you briefly tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue architecture/design?

IV: For both of us, the encounter with design was an exciting and fortuitous discovery. An innate curiosity for the objects surrounding us, coupled with an irresistible aesthetic allure influenced by our wonderful country, Italy, laid the foundation for our adventure into the world of design. Today, we join forces to shape products that blend beauty, practicality, and functionality, creating iconic designs destined to withstand the test of time, all inspired by the shining examples of our predecessors. And so, with a good dose of passion and a pinch of humor, we try to contribute to shaping the world around us.

What drove you to submit your work to the IDA competition, and your thoughts on how winning this competition impacted your artistic journey?

GM: The decision to submit our projects to the IDA competition arose from the desire to share our creations with a global audience and to compare our designs with the best in the industry. Winning the IDA competition is a significant milestone in our professional journey: it represents an important confirmation of our know-how and approach, as well as participation in truly innovative projects that look towards the future. We also hope that recognition from such a prestigious platform opens up new opportunities and collaborations in a continuously evolving industry.

Could you describe any challenges you faced while working on your winning project?

IV: Both award-winning projects presented significant challenges during the design phase. Each product, regardless of its apparent simplicity or complexity, carries unique peculiarities and difficulties. In the case of Bonocle, we went through lengthy iterations of testing and validations to ensure that the product was intuitive and usable for its target audience of visually impaired individuals. The product, despite being pocket-sized, integrates numerous technologies, which, combined with the delicate usability for users and production constraints, posed a considerable technical challenge. Not surprisingly, the project received many accolades and investments.

Regarding the dispenser, the challenge was more creative than technical. The most demanding effort was to imagine a completely new product that could fit into contemporary and future homes, considering the challenges posed by climate change. In this case as well, design and internal technology traveled together: there were targeted design choices to integrate functional needs and aesthetic appeal.

What, in your opinion, are the most important factors in creating great artwork?

GM: We don’t believe there is a perfect recipe for creating great artwork. We believe it is a unique combination of factors coming together at the right moment. In our approach, we focus on two fundamental aspects: first, we seek to maximize our clients’ ideas by working closely with them. Secondly, we explore solutions that maximize both the usability and aesthetics of the products, trying to find a harmonious balance between functionality, usability, and appeal. We believe that the interaction between these variables is essential to create products that not only meet practical needs but also leave a lasting impression for the emotions they evoke.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of architecture/design?

IV: The challenges in our job are many. But mainly the thing is that we are at a crossroad between many professionals, engineers, suppliers, clients, and customers. Our job mainly consists of balancing every one of their needs to maximize the potential of the product for each of these figures. This process requires a constant search for balance to maximize the potential of the product and ensure its success in production and reception in the market. Nowadays, challenges increase with the contribution of AI. Like everyone else, we are sensitive to this revolution and wonder about its long-term implications.

What motivates and drives your work?

GM: What motivates us is the aspiration to enter people’s homes and contribute to making their everyday spaces more exciting and personalized. We aim to create products that offer a moment of wonder at first glance but then integrate harmoniously into the routine and daily life of people. The goal is to provide lasting experiences through design, transforming common-use objects into meaningful and enjoyable elements.

What’s next for you in your career as an architect/designer?

IV: Fuso Design is only at the beginning of its journey, and our commitment is to continue growing the studio, collaborating with companies and startups worldwide. However, we would also like to have more collaborations with Italian brands, bringing home our design approach and creative vision. We enjoy being involved in ambitious projects like the two award-winning ones that allow us to contribute significantly to the world we will live in tomorrow.

View the Winning Entry by Ivan Vecchia and Giorgio Mastropasqua