Pentagram Designer Lorenzo Fanton in Rome for ContamiNation

From October 21 to 24, 2019, Rome hosted Lorenzo Fanton, senior designer at Pentagram New York, as part of ContamiNation, a cultural and educational project by Cappelli Identity Design. Founded by Emanuele Cappelli in 2009, the agency organized meetings at its studio, Vertigo Design, and Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). ContamiNation aims to bring international creatives to Rome and fund two scholarships for students from Cuba and Burkina Faso, with help from Diébédo Francis Kéré, for an eight-week residency. The project plans to become a monthly event and convert part of the studio into an artist residency. Fanton discussed his work at Pentagram, the world's largest independent design firm, which started with five partners in 1972 and now has 24 partners across New York, London, Berlin, and Austin. He works in Emily Oberman's team of 12 creatives focused on entertainment. Cappelli emphasized the need for collaboration in Rome's creative scene, while Fanton advised students to stay curious and travel. He noted that design is increasingly dynamic, relying on video and animation, and cited Massimo Vignelli as an example of enduring quality. Giorgia Lupi, another Italian designer, recently became a partner at Pentagram New York.