Esperienza 2014 by DQ Labs – A study on Italian Design & Architecture

DQ labs is showcasing an exhibition “Esperienza 2014” on the 22nd and 23rd of November at Alliance Francaise. A Study tour by a team of 15 budding architects from India explored the cities of Rome, Vatican, Florence, Milan and Venice to observe and learn the different facets of Italian Design and Architecture. This study was a voluntary – non-profit collaboration between Indian and Italian Architects and was organised by DQ Labs. This team of student architects will share their learning through photographs, and audio visual media at the exhibition. Esperienza 2014 is an eccentric concoction of perspectives from students studying architecture as well as Indian and international designers and architects. This is a great opportunity for high school and pre-university students to interact with such forerunners in architecture and explore their career prospects in architecture. It also promises an exceptional experience for architecture and design enthusiasts to discover more vistas.

Italy has long been recognised as being a worldwide trendsetter and leader in design. Italian architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni claims, "Quite simply, we are the best. Italians have historically had more imagination and culture, and are better mediators between the past and the future". Today, Italy still exerts a vast influence on urban design, industrial design and fashion design worldwide. Italy's iconic design has made the phrase "Made in Italy" something to be envied. As students of architecture, sharp observation and learning skills need to be developed in a structured manner. In collaboration with DQ Labs, the team has identified unique design elements present in those environments and the impact they bring about in the daily life of people. Esperienza 2014 has helped them identify the underlying culture, politics, technology, geography & sounds of Italy reflected in architectural structures, urban and industrial design elements. Inspired by this, the team will propose a brand new design element adapted to the Indian context to make the lives of Indians simple and efficient.

The other highlights of Esperienza 2014 include exhibits of visits to various exhibitions, museums and buildings of architectural significance like the 14th La Biennale Architecture exposition at Venice with representation from over 60 countries, the Fiera di Milano by Ar. Massimiliano Fuksas & MAXXI Museum by Zaha Hadid, and the First Indian Delegation to visit the new Opera di Firenze, the location of Italy’s Maggio Musicale Festival conducted by Mr. Zubin Mehta. It would also include an interaction with Award winning architects, and council of Architects & Architecture Faculty from Architecture Schools.

Esperienza 2014 will also petition for India’s representation at the 15th La Biennale International Architecture exposition which takes place at Venice and is one of the most globally significant architectural events. Despite having outstanding architectural heritage and brilliant talent, India has never participated in the event so far, and it is against this backdrop that DQ Labs is initiating an effort to get India’s participation to showcase its architectural visions and representations during the next La Biennale exhibition.