Contemporary Architecture Firms

Founded: 1989

Location: London, United Kingdom & Milan, Italy (since 2006)

History: Claudio Silvestrin was born in 1954 and studied architecture in both Milan and London.  According to the firm’s website, his architecture can be described as austere but not extreme and simple but not soulless.

About: This firm has been in practice since 1989 and has been incredibly successful due to several well-known clients.  For instance, they have worked closely with Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein. 

Architectural Typology: The firm as a whole produces residential architecture, retail interiors, real estate development, art galleries, museums, furniture design, and other types of interior work. 

Built Works:  20 completed projects for Giorgio Armani across the world | 25 completed buildings | 21 product designs | 31 interiors

This firm is incredibly accomplished and has worked with several famous clients.  Most of these projects have unique sculptural qualities that highlight the formal aspects of their work.   It is interesting for how many projects they have completed in the past twenty-three years that they are not as well known in the United States.  It is interesting how simplistic some of these designs are.  The completed buildings have incredibly clean lines.  A common theme is the use of a large rectangular slit in an otherwise blank wall.  These large vertical openings are used to increase day lighting, but also as long focal points to draw one’s attention.  Although the firm’s design philosophy that less is more is a design feature, this does not hold true for the materials involved in each project.  These projects are for wealthy clients who can afford high-end materials and design features. 

(Source: claudiosilvestrin.com)