On October 10, 2024, the Lualdi Showroom in West Hollywood hosted “Living with the Art, the Art of Living”, a special talk by architect Roberto Palomba, Co-founder of Palomba Serafini Associati, international architectural and design studio based in Milan. Presented as part of Giornata del Contemporaneo (Italian Contemporary Art Day) and the Italian Design Day, the event delved into the connection between seriality and uniqueness in contemporary design.
Organized by the Consulate General of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with Lualdi, this initiative reflects Italian institutions’ broader efforts to promote Italian excellence and the “Made in Italy” label. On this occasion, Architect Roberto Palomba explored the balance between mass production and unique creation, showcasing the innovative link between these two worlds.
Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, Raffaella Valentini, emphasizes, “Design and contemporary art are not only expressions of creativity but also powerful tools of diplomacy. They promote dialogue between cultures and advocate for the excellence of Italian exports. Through initiatives like this, we showcase the innovative spirit of ‘Made in Italy,’ strengthening Italy’s presence on the global stage and reinforcing our role as a leader in these sectors.”
Roberto Palomba reflects on his work, stating “Seriality and uniqueness – The connection between these two concepts defines what is contemporary. As design increasingly intersects with art, we are reimagining the relationship between mass production and uniqueness. Innovation today lies in merging these realms, creating new perspectives and possibilities. When does a serial object become art, and when does a unique piece challenge the concept of seriality?”
“Our Los Angeles showroom is a key part of our international expansion strategy,” says Chiara Lualdi, Head of Marketing. “It’s designed as a storytelling space that reflects the research, technology, and craftsmanship behind our design philosophy. Lualdi showrooms serve as a meeting place for professionals and clients alike, where doors and systems merge to create environments that embody the essence of Italian craftsmanship. Each project highlights the expressive potential of Italian design, bringing the story of “Made in Italy” to life.”
ABOUT STUDIO PALOMBA SERAFINI
Roberto Palomba, architect and designer, founded Palomba Serafini Studio together with Arch. Ludovica
Serafini in 1994 in Milan. They deal with architecture, interior design, industrial design, fashion and yacht design. Their distinctive hallmark has emerged from the capacity to combine a contemporary vision of society and user needs, with an extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural roots of design, producing results that blend the past with the future.
During 30 years of activity, their projects received more than 70 awards and international recognition such as Compasso D’Oro, Elle Decoration International Design Award, Red Dot, Design Plus, Good Design Award, German Design Award, Ahead Award with which they won the first prize for the best European hotel.
They plan architecture and exhibitions all over the world and they collaborate with and are art director for some of the most accomplished international design brands such as Artemide, Benetti yachts, Bisazza, Fratelli Rossetti, Giorgetti, Kartell, Maserati, Poltrona Frau, Richard Ginori, Samsung, Fendi Home, Zanotta.
ABOUT LUALDI
Lualdi is a renowned Italian design company specialising in interior doors, custom furniture, and contract projects. Founded in 1859 as a carpentry workshop, it is now managed by the fourth generation of the family. The company began its industrial shift in the 1960s through collaborations with some of Milan’s leading architects of the time. Today, Lualdi collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned architects and has showrooms in Milan, New York, London and Miami. Its leadership is internationally recognised. The quality of its products and manufacturing processes are the company’s core values, representing a high level of expertise that combines artisanal tradition with the most advanced aspects of industrial production. Corporate social responsibility is a cornerstone of its philosophy, as is its daily commitment to environmental protection. The socially and ecologically sustainable use of materials and resources has earned the company FSC® certification.
GIORNATA DEL CONTEMPORANEO / CONTEMPORARY ART DAY
Saturday 12 October 2024 has seen the return of Giornata del Contemporaneo, the great event that has been bringing contemporary art to the general public since 2005. Promoted by AMACI – Associazione dei Musei d’Arte Contemporanea Italiani (Association of Italian Contemporary Art Museums), the Giornata del Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Day) is realized with the support of the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Ministry of Culture and with the collaboration of the Directorate-General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Now in its twentieth edition, the Giornata del Contemporaneo involves museums, foundations, public and private institutions, galleries, studios and artists’ spaces all over Italy, recounting the vitality of contemporary art in our country. Once again, this year, to encourage and enhance the widest possible participation, the event will maintain a hybrid format, physical and digital, with online and offline proposals.
Press Releases:
Flaunt Magazine: https://www.flaunt.com/post/the-art-of-living-living-with-the-art-in-conversation-with-designer-roberto-palomba
L’Italo Americano: Architect Roberto Palomba, Los Angeles, Italian design, IIC
Photo Credit: James Riva.
