Architecture competition Urban Zoo Coworking Design Challenge Honorable mention - Davide Franchi

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Urban Zoo Coworking Design Challenge” competition - Davide Franchi from Italy!

Davide Franchi from Italy

I am an interior designer deeply passionate about my job, I achieved an advanced degree in design at Scuola di Architettura / Università degli Studi di Firenze in 2017. For the past 3 years, I have worked for Q-bic , a renowned company in Florence, and I had the chance to collaborate in designing, planning and overviewing the construction of restaurants, hotels, and trade fair halls. I am planning on opening my own company soon enough.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where company/ individuals have been involved?

I don’t have preferences, what is important for me is the person that will live the space that I am creating. The most interesting concept to achieve is that sense of functionality and easiness that you experience when a room is cleverly and thoughtfully designed. I find that when you don’t feel at ease in a place, or if something is missing, then all the beauty of the project vanishes. I mostly do interior architecture projects closely linked to shops, restaurants, and hotels.

I collaborated on the design of some projects like Mercato Centrale in Rome and OOO: the restaurant, bars and bike shop inside The Student Hotel, Florence. I collaborated to design and fully manage the project of a hand-made pasta restaurant-cafe, BottegaEmilia in Milan; of Casale Le Corti, a Bed & Breakfast in Tuscany; of Treemme's trade fair Halls and Moebius in Milan, a fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar, currently under construction.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture & interior design have to go hand-in-hand in every project. I think that a good interior designer must find a good balance between art, decor, and usability. In order to trigger an emotion in the person experiencing the spaces designed, those must be unique, inventive and livable. Today’s design must also be sustainable and up-to-date; research of materials and new technologies are the keys to successful projects.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

This is the first competition I’ve taken part in. I considered this experience as a chance to put myself out there, no matter the result, while unleashing my creativity. I find these competitions a great way to have a nice confrontation with other experts while having fun.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

I strongly suggest to take part in at least one of these competitions, it is the perfect opportunity to test freely one’s own creativity - unbounded.