The art of interior design: Crafting personalised spaces with visionary designers

In the world of high-end interiors, leading designers are creating unique, personalised spaces that enhance the value and beauty of properties. The Italian design studio Formafantasma, directed by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, offers a unique perspective on this work. By researching the influence of ecological, historical, political and social factors on the discipline of design, and considering how thoughtful material choices can bring emotion, depth and character to contemporary interiors, the studio creates meticulous visual outcomes, products and strategies. As an example, the scenography the studio created for the Exposition Générale at Fondation Cartier demonstrates how structure, surfaces and detail can transform an interior into an immersive and meaningful experience. Now, Trimarchi returns to Fondation Cartier to share how the studio’s approach can help create spaces that feel both highly personal and rich in atmosphere.

Moderator Nora Gherbi will introduce the speaker and direct the conversation, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Formafantasma, founded in 2009 by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, is a research-based design studio investigating the ecological, historical, political and social forces shaping the discipline of design today. Its aim is to facilitate a deeper understanding of both our natural and built environments and to propose transformative interventions through design and its material, technical, social and discursive possibilities. Working out of Milan and Rotterdam, the practice embraces a broad spectrum of typologies and methods, from product design through spatial design, strategic planning and design consultancy. Whether designing to a client's brief or developing self-initiated projects, the studio applies the same rigorous attention to context, process and detail.

Nora Gherbi’s unique career blends economic diplomacy acumen with a deep understanding of sustainable business growth and responsible finance. After diplomatic roles in Canada and the US, she served as an attachée at the Public Bank of France before becoming Chief Representative for London in France. Energy and environmental initiatives are the cornerstone of her work. She is a driving force in the curation of the Environmental Intelligence principles, and plays a pivotal role in helping Change Now position itself at the forefront of the global movement for environmental change. She serves on the board of advisors of tech companies in fashion, A.I., education, soil health, ocean recovery and health.