Exclusive interview with architect Oscar Di Domenico on the exploratory mission to China and the new synergies between Italian design and Chinese materials technology
A journey is not merely a change of place, but an opportunity to redefine the boundaries of the profession and to build new bridges of international cooperation. Having recently returned from a work trip organized specifically to China, we met the well-known architect Oscar Di Domenico to hear about an experience that unites the vision of Italian design with the industrial and technological strength of the Asian giant.
An exploratory and highly strategic itinerary, developed together with a group of selected partners who have wished, and still wish, to build long-term synergies with the architect. The common goal: creating opportunities that bring together the excellence and taste of Italian design with the strengths of next-generation materials and Chinese construction technologies.
Architect Di Domenico, who was the main driving force behind this organized trip to China, and how did the cooperation with this group of selected partners come about?
«The main driving force was the desire to create real, concrete synergies oriented toward the future. Together with a selected group of strategic partners, we undertook this journey with a clear vision: to explore how our approach to design, attention to detail and Italian aesthetic sensitivity can be integrated with the strengths of the Chinese industry, which today is a global leader in technological innovation and the development of advanced materials. The partners involved share the desire to build a sustainable channel of cooperation that values ‘Made in Italy’ by integrating it with the best technological resources present in the Asian market.»
How would you describe the impact of the Chinese manufacturing reality, and what excellences have you identified in the sectors of your interest?
«The impact was extremely strong, both visually and conceptually. What impresses me most about modern China is its ability to turn research and innovation into manufacturing solutions that can be applied on a large scale, with incredible speed and precision. We visited cutting-edge companies producing high-performance finishing materials: smart surfaces, next-generation composites with acoustic insulation, glass with very high energy efficiency, and modular solutions that drastically reduce the time needed for work on site. By getting close to these elements, it becomes clear that Chinese technology represents a unique strong point for the architecture and construction sector.»
In terms of contacts and professional relationships, what are the most significant and fruitful results of this mission?
«The journey proved especially rich in ideas and concrete opportunities. We have started a direct and structured dialogue with several leading companies operating precisely in the sectors of advanced materials production and technologies for architecture. But the most rewarding aspect is the two-way enthusiasm: on one side, our Chinese partners recognize the incomparable value of Italian design; on the other, we identify in their technologies and materials efficient answers to raise the performance level of our projects. It is a ‘win-win’ partnership based on respect and on the complementarity of mutual competencies.»
In what way does this wealth of experience and relationships enrich your professional profile, and what added value will it bring to your future projects?
«It was a profound enrichment, both on a personal and a professional level. Professionally, seeing how ‘smart’ technologies are engineered and integrated into contemporary architecture allows you to broaden your design horizons. We are no longer satisfied with choosing a material only for its aesthetic appearance; we evaluate its interaction with energy efficiency, home automation and the overall sustainability of the building. For our clients and our future projects, this will translate into more innovative, higher-performing solutions capable of combining Italian elegance with the best of global technology.»
What is the main reflection with which you return from this journey to the East?
«I return with the deep conviction that the future of architecture and design lies in the ability to create synergies and positive hybridizations between different industrial cultures. Italian design remains an incomparable global point of reference for style and vision; however, when this creative capacity meets the technological strength and material wealth of the Chinese industry, design possibilities become virtually endless.»
Prepared by the Editorial Staff of Koha Jonë