by Costanza Carbotta.
atelier anna arpa was established in 2020 and focuses on creating custom projects empathizing wood craftsmanship and cherishing tradition but not bound by conventions. The atelier explores the properties of this material to craft surprising modular joints, that often don’t require hardware or glue. Elegance, utility, intelligent design, and a deep passion for both the project and the object: here is atelier anna arpa.
You started as an architect with a degree from the Mendrisio Academy. What led you to develop an interest in design?
I worked as an architect both in Milan and internationally, but since I was little I had a profound fascination with the handmade wooden artifacts produced in my uncle’s workshop: that’s where I started and that’s where I came back to. When it comes to production, I believe it to be fundamental to return to the essence of craftsmanship, involving people and prototypes to test, modify, and love. Design, compared to architecture, offers me a much more extreme and direct way to experiment: what I love is being able to work directly on what I’m creating.
no-screw-no-glue meets s/m-w – table
Nowadays it’s important to reconnect with our roots; I grew up in Brianza, where craftsmanship is closely tied to wood, and tradition is the most modern thing I know. My collections aspire to be elegant, essential, and are the result of deep technical and formal research rooted in the artisanal heritage. And I want them to evoke a ‘lucid wonder’ in the viewer, challenging traditional approaches and conventions while still using the most classic of materials.
no-screw-no-glue / shelf – library
How do you create such a complex pattern with wood? Who or what inspired you?
The s/m-w collection aims to provide a fresh perspective on traditional woodwork and marquetry techniques using Multi-Wood©, a patent created by atelier anna arpa in 2022, which consists in panels assembled with various wood pieces, customizable in dimensions and wood types to achieve the desired look. On the upper part of the s/m-w desk, for example, you can see a pattern composed of around 15,000 fragments from 10 different worldwide wood types: it’s not just a thin layer, these are actual pieces of wood.
Among my role models is Angelo Mangiarotti for his design philosophy, focused on sustainability and creating long-lasting objects, which are values I fully agree with and consider essential. My design is also influenced by Japanese tradition, of which I share many values such as respect, harmony, modesty, and beauty. A silent yet powerful culture, just like what I want to convey through my creations: I want them to quietly shout..
The s/m-w desk table top, collection 2022, currently represented by Mint Gallery in London, where you can see the woodwork through Multi-Wood©.
Are there any more projects you are currently working on?
I’m currently working on both interior design projects in collaboration with Studio Urquiola and furniture pieces that merge the ‘no-screw-no-glue’ collection with s/m-w. Alongside these projects, I continue my personal research into wood and its possibilities and applications, as well as my work as an interior designer for private clients.
s/m-w desk.
What opportunities does Isola offer you and why did you decide to participate?
Isola is a unique opportunity, providing excellent visibility within the design community both in Italy during Milan’s Fuorisalone, and also on a more international level with events like the London Design Festival, the Dutch Design Week, and the Dubai Design Week.
annaarpa.net
IG – atelier_anna_arpa
Photos Francesco Caredda.
On the left Anna Arpa, on the right detail of the no-screw-no-glue meets s/m-w manufacturing.
On the cover, s/m-w desk characterized by the special Multi-Wood© process.
