Minimalist Maestro
The cool, spare, airy architecture of 32-year-old Jacopo Mascheroni signals an exciting new era of maximum minimalism. Trained under Richard Meier, he’s setting new standards for architectural clean.
The Italian architect and designer Jacopo Mascheroni is clearly on his way to be-come the leading light in a new era of extreme minimalism. Trained under architect Richard Meier, Mascheroni maximizes the tenets of minimalism by creating custom-made environments that fuse clean lines, cool colour and voluptuous space with state-of-the-art technology.
After breathing in the modernist air as a student of architecture and industrial design in his native Milan, Mascheroni headed to the United States to train under Stanley Saitowitz in San Franciso before setting his sights on the reigning king of clean - Richard Meier - with whom he worked for four years in New York. “It might sound absurd to someone who knows the work of Richard Meier, which is super clean, but it wasn’t clean enough for me,” explains Mascheroni of his decision to set up his own company, JMA, in Milan, just shy of his 30th birthday. “The entire architectural world and the materials that we use are in constant change, and this allows us to experiment with new things, from materials and schemes to concepts of living,” says Mascheroni, whose interests in everything from avant-garde fashion and furniture design, to acoustics and Eastern philosophy are reflected is his made-to-measure masterpieces.
Struck by the young architect’s unique vision, property developer Peter Reichegger gave Mascheroni carte blanche to make over his mountain mansion in Campo Tures. With its custom-designed Corian counters, computer-controlled recessed lighting and consummately elegant cool colours and clean lines, it has become a stunning blueprint for a new age of architectural abstraction. “I don’t see why modern or minimalist architecture should be limited to a penthouse in a big city,” explains Mascheroni.
What are the sites you recommend to visitors to your city?
On a clear day, I always suggest going to the top of the Duomo Cathedral, to have a 360° view of the city. Otherwise, a stroll around Brera, Castello Sforzesco, the Fashion District, St. Ambrogio Church and the Navigli area.
Which are your favourite buildings in Milan?
The Pirelli Tower, designed by Italian masters Gio Ponti and Pierluigi Nervi in 1960. I’m fascinated by its proportions and side elevations. Another great piece of modern architecture is the complex at Corso Italia 13-17, designed by Luigi Moretti and completed in 1953. It stands out in the middle of a historic part of the city, and the cantilever is breathtaking.
Your favourite design shops?
Mc Selvini, a Mecca for Scandinavian furniture; Minotti Cucine, for state-of-the-art minimalist kitchens; Boffi, for kitchens and bathrooms.
Your favourite shops for fashion, accessories and books?
10 Corso Como. It’s one of the world’s most influential stores for fashion, design and accessories. It also has a great design bookstore upstairs.
What do you love most about the Hotel Pricipe di Savoia?
The new restaurant, Acanto, a perfect spot for the light it gets during the day, the relationship with the gardens and of course, the outstanding italian cuisine.
What’s most inspiring about living in Milan?
That it’s the world’s design capital. The best time to be here is during furniture week in April, when you have hundreds of events, exhibits and parties to chose from.
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