Artist: Mauro Dell’Orco

Mauro Dell'Orco fascination with design began at an early age, nurtured by his surroundings and curiosity. Growing up in Trentino, Italy, he was captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty of custom furniture. This early exposure ignited a passion that would shape his future. Mauro honed his technical skills in a boutique workshop, where he meticulously crafted bespoke furniture pieces, each reflecting his dedication to quality and detail.

His journey took a significant step when he decided to pursue formal studies in architecture. This academic endeavour and provided him with a profound understanding of structural integrity, spatial dynamics, and the critical role of functionality in design. The training equipped him with the tools to think beyond aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces and objects that are both beautiful and practical.

After several years working as an architect, Mauro experienced a pivotal career transition. He decided to return to his first love: crafting furniture. This decision was not merely a return to his roots but a fusion of his architectural knowledge and his craftsmanship. The result was a unique approach to furniture design, where each piece is a harmonious blend of form and function, artistry and utility.

At the core of Mauro Dell'Orco work is a philosophy that values the intersection of form and function. He firmly believes that good design should not only be visually appealing but also serve a practical purpose: functional design, when executed with poetic elegance, transcends mere utility to become a form of art. Mauro harmonizes form and purpose, creating objects that are not only practical but also aesthetically captivating.

The charm of such design lies in its ability to evoke emotions and tell a story, all while serving a practical purpose. Mauro's work exemplifies this philosophy, successfully navigating the layers connecting multiple creative fields, merging purpose and use in a way that is both innovative and timeless.

His work has earned him prestigious awards and significant collaborations in both the fields of design and architecture.

A notable achievement stemming from his collaborative victory in an international competition is the NOI TechPark in Bolzano, Italy.

Among the distinguished awards he has received, the Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize stands out, alongside the Wood Award, the Bespoke Guild Mark, the first Prize at the Salone Del Mobile in Milan with Riva1920 and the Medal for Excellence.

In collaboration with Assemble Studio, Mauro designed the benches for the "Factory Floor" at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale. Additionally, he played a role in the subsequent edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale, working alongside Prof. Laura Allen and Prof. Mark Smout to create 'Rescue Lines'.

This exhibition "LAYERS" highlights Mauro Dell'Orco ability to create pieces that testaments to his skill in merging architectural principles with artisanal craftsmanship, resulting in furniture that is both a work of art and a practical object.