Massimo Facchinetti

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Massimo Facchinetti ("MF") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MF : He obtained his certificate in geometry in 1984 at the institute for geometries "G. Quarenghi "in Bergamo. In October 1992 he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Politecnico di Milano with an environmental design thesis entitled "La strada del freddo", followed by Professor Alessandro Ubertazzi, Professor Giuseppe Gambirasio and Architect Pierguido Bay

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MF : For the need of missing products on the market

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MF : I chose for personal taste

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MF : The study deals with 360° Design: from pin to car

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MF : Studying a lot, listening so much, apply yourself  very much

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MF : The opportunities

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MF : With a good relationship between the realization capacity, the costs and the benefits

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MF : The value of a good design is the "added value", so something more than normal

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

MF : Of everything

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

MF : A children's play for all

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MF : Persist, never give up

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

MF : Zanuso, Branzi, Mari, Maldonado

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

MF : The vertical kitchen presented at the Milan Furniture Show, because the relationship with the customer was complex

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

MF : Studying a lot

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

MF : The architect

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MF : Study the product to solve a need

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MF : Myself, my professor, my mother

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

MF : Comparison with companies, with who asked what I had done before

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

MF : With info-graphics

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

MF : An electric bicycle

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MF : To make new products in the industrial field, in the less-used areas

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MF : Solving the problems of new needs

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

MF : On the world of personal electrical transport

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MF : The waste bin because it was the first one. The helmet is the last one

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

MF : I hope to see more research and experimentation

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MF : On designing objects in total quality

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MF : From a few hours to full months: depends on the order

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MF : From what I find in nature

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MF : Turning difficultly into opportunities

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MF : I think it's a small part

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MF : Very important. I would say the primary

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MF : Solid thinking for 3D design

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MF : I consider it the fourth dimension

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

MF : They know how to judge the right mix of costs and benefits

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

MF : Ideal are my employees, albeit external

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

MF : People with various cultures and/or specializations

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

MF : All of Branzi, Mari, Maldonado and Zanuso

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MF : Working hard and studying a lot

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MF : Yes a lot. It is very expensive in terms of energy

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MF : Blue, Italy, pasta, winter and bicycles Bianchi

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MF : Every day a new thing to think, to refine

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MF : I really liked building with Lego and Meccano

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

MF : I see it evolves in only ten years now. Thousand is too far away