Studio Ossidiana: Architecture Between Italian and Dutch Cultures
Established in 2015 in Rotterdam by Italian architect Giovanni Bellotti and Dutch architect Tomas Dirrix, Studio Ossidiana merges the narrative-driven architectural style of the Netherlands with Italy's rich historical context. Their design philosophy is shaped by their experiences in countries like Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and India, drawing from Kenneth Frampton's tectonic culture and Gottfried Semper's concepts. Notable among their projects is 'Petrified Carpets,' an installation featuring colored concrete elements inspired by Persian carpets, developed in collaboration with Hurks Prefabbeton. Recently, the studio showcased its work at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, with backing from 5VIE and the Dutch Embassy. Upcoming endeavors include a limited edition collection based on 'Petrified Carpets,' urban projects, a publication with Team Thursday, and 'New Domestic Landscape' with Jan van Eyck in Maastricht.
Key facts
- Studio Ossidiana was founded in 2015 in Rotterdam by Giovanni Bellotti and Tomas Dirrix.
- Both founders graduated in Architecture from the Technical University of Delft.
- The studio name is inspired by obsidian, representing material metamorphosis and primordial artifacts.
- Their work combines Dutch narrative-driven architecture with Italian material and historical sensitivity.
- Key influences include Kenneth Frampton, Gottfried Semper, Italo Calvino, and Land Art.
- The project 'Petrified Carpets' consists of colored concrete elements inspired by Persian carpets and gardens.
- The studio collaborated with Hurks Prefabbeton for the production of 'Petrified Carpets'.
- Studio Ossidiana participated in Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, supported by 5VIE, Federica Sala/PS, and the Dutch Embassy.
- Future projects include a limited edition collection, urban applications, a publication with Team Thursday, and 'New Domestic Landscape' with Jan van Eyck.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Bellotti
- Tomas Dirrix
- Kenneth Frampton
- Gottfried Semper
- Italo Calvino
- Aldo van Eyck
- Enzo Mari
- Isamu Noguchi
- Federica Sala
Institutions
- Studio Ossidiana
- Technical University of Delft
- RCR Architects
- Academy of Architecture Mendrisio
- Hurks Prefabbeton
- 5VIE
- Salone Internazionale del Mobile
- Dutch Embassy
- Consulate General of the Netherlands in Milan
- Jan van Eyck
- Team Thursday
Locations
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Mendrisio
- India
- Milan
- Maastricht