Busch-Jaeger puls 2-2013 en

Movements in architecture 02| 2013 Cocooning comfort by roemer partner architektur Interview with Stefan Marte Living in a multiple generation house Beyond the threshold ­ anti-conventional architecture » Editorial Vittorio Grassi was a partner in Renzo Piano's office for nine years. Since 2005 he has headed his own architecture studio in Milan. The topic: Home living and eternal values pulse in conversation with Vittorio Grassi Because we're so inquisitive ... what is your own home like? I live in the heart of Milan in an attic with a large terrace. The main feature of my home is sunlight. Outside the sunlight plays on the terrace with the plants of my garden, inside it is filtered through big French windows and regulated by micro louvers. I like open spaces and freedom to change them quickly. Regarding furniture my home is an unfinished work or, better, it is a work in progress always open to new ideas and experiments. Were you ever your 'own' developer? Oh, yes. I must say that as my own client I am much more tolerant, especially when it comes to timing. This is because I always try to get as much fun as I can experimenting on my construction sites. Society is changing. Are new developments such as the patchwork family or working from home influencing your work? I do not think that human habits have been dramatically transformed by social changes in the whole of human history. Men have always looked for warmth and affection, friendship and love. Residential architecture must answer today to these ancestral needs, only playing with new technologies. What does this mean in practice? Personally I feed my buildings with large and luminous reception and living spaces, high ceilings and comfortable furniture. These are the places where users can spend time with friends and relatives. On the other hand I also like to provide generous cupboards and service spaces. Today our memories are so dematerialized by electronic devices that some beloved objects regarding our personal story must be jealously preserved. What meaning will criteria related to sustainability have in future residential construction? Sustainability can exist only if social, economical and environmental parameters are satisfied. Residential construction is a mayor, and the simplest, field where these criteria can be applied. Sure, it is the closest field to people's understanding and therefore the most effective for the health of the planet. What role do building automation technologies (such as KNX) play in this context? Building automation technologies mean more comfort, more security, greater energy savings: the demand for building management systems is continuously growing. These systems are wonderful but must be modular and as open as possible. They have to work through devices that are very simple and that we use on a daily basis such as tablets or smartphones. pulse 02 | 2013 02 Beyond the threshold ­ new ideas for changed living environment...