Interview with Alberto Ruben Alerigi
Alberto Alerigi is a 68 years old mechanical engineer, he was born in Buenos Aires-Argentina and is living in São Paulo-Brazil since 1975.
Interview about Luminada Wall Lamp Design Interview
Design Legend Interview
29 April 2020
I graduated in mechanical engineering and worked 40 years in the construction industry for oil and gas plants.
My activities have always been related to the layout of plants, definition of matrials and processes, functionalities and safety of installations.
In my spare time I helped my wife, who is a plastic artist, in the execution of her works.
Thus, I was acquiring knowledge of aesthetics, styles and everything else with her works of art.
Since I left my engineering work, I decided to start making my design works, joining my knowledge and experience of materials and manufacturing processes with the knowledge of plastic arts acquired with my wife.
My activities have always been related to the layout of plants, definition of matrials and processes, functionalities and safety of installations.
In my spare time I helped my wife, who is a plastic artist, in the execution of her works.
Thus, I was acquiring knowledge of aesthetics, styles and everything else with her works of art.
Since I left my engineering work, I decided to start making my design works, joining my knowledge and experience of materials and manufacturing processes with the knowledge of plastic arts acquired with my wife.
In my youth, I was an enthusiastic for cars design, and so, I was a passionate of Pininfarina cars design, like the Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider “Duetto”, the IKA-Renault Torino of 1966 which was produced in my country, Argentina.
I dreamed to became a car designer. There was not a designer career in my country, so, I decided for Mechanical Engineer career.
Since I stopped working on oil and gas projects, I have decided to fulfill my desire to be a designer.
I dreamed to became a car designer. There was not a designer career in my country, so, I decided for Mechanical Engineer career.
Since I stopped working on oil and gas projects, I have decided to fulfill my desire to be a designer.
Since my youth I always wanted to work with design.
No one who is forced to work in a certain profession can be a good professional.
You have to love what you do to become a good professional.
No one who is forced to work in a certain profession can be a good professional.
You have to love what you do to become a good professional.
Products for home and buildings. There is not a preference.
I'm certainly not a legend designer.
Anyway, anyone who wants to be a famous designer must first of all love the profession, have pleasure in doing his job.
Technically speaking, you have to be always learning and researching needs and trends of the world around you.
Always trying to innovate with style, elegance and maturity, without worrying about being successful. Success is the result of good work.
Anyway, anyone who wants to be a famous designer must first of all love the profession, have pleasure in doing his job.
Technically speaking, you have to be always learning and researching needs and trends of the world around you.
Always trying to innovate with style, elegance and maturity, without worrying about being successful. Success is the result of good work.
The way his work arouses a feeling of admiration in people and they begin to desire the product or object created by him.
The simplicity and boldness of design.
The way it meets its functionality with aesthetics, elegance, harmony and unicity.
The way it meets its functionality with aesthetics, elegance, harmony and unicity.
When a design is really a good design, it becomes part of the culture of society, it becomes a classic, able to transmit, over the years, the habits and philosophy of life of the time.
We know a little of our ancestors' lives from the objects discovered in archaeological researches, they were made by designers of those times.
Therefore, a good design will endure through the ages and will tell a little of our actuality, hence, its value.
We know a little of our ancestors' lives from the objects discovered in archaeological researches, they were made by designers of those times.
Therefore, a good design will endure through the ages and will tell a little of our actuality, hence, its value.
It's not only time that I need to fulfill my design desire, it also takes a lot of technology because my dream would be to work on the design of some aerospace project.
Malcolm Sayer, Hans Wegner “Papa Bear”, Battista Pininfarina, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Malcolm Sayer, Hans Wegner “Papa Bear”, Battista Pininfarina, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Malcolm Sayer: 1967 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, on its release on 15 March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made". It is.
Battista Pininfarina, Alfa Romeo 1600 “Duetto”, simple, it says “I’m a sport car”;
Hans Wegner “Papa Bear”, he design the most comfortable chair ever made the precisely measured pitch and depth, the studied angles and padding, gives it an absolutely perfect cradle;
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona chair, actually modern.
Malcolm Sayer: 1967 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, on its release on 15 March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made". It is.
Battista Pininfarina, Alfa Romeo 1600 “Duetto”, simple, it says “I’m a sport car”;
Hans Wegner “Papa Bear”, he design the most comfortable chair ever made the precisely measured pitch and depth, the studied angles and padding, gives it an absolutely perfect cradle;
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona chair, actually modern.
Work, study and research
What I did, I start working as Mechanical Engineer at the construction industry.
Design for me is to find the best shape for an object in order to fulfill its functions, so light and simple as possible. Clear, purity, aesthetic with elegance, style and harmony in unicity.
Design is not only for the object itself. Design have to think in the entire cycle of life of the object. From the concept to its final disposal, Design has to be worry about the impact for the environment of the new object.
Design is not only for the object itself. Design have to think in the entire cycle of life of the object. From the concept to its final disposal, Design has to be worry about the impact for the environment of the new object.
Guiding with his creations to a way of life where simplicity, harmony and respect for the environment will be the goal of everyone.
We are trying to develop a way to reuse what we already have in our homes that has been worn out by use or simply want to redecorate.
Currently for this, we exchange what we have for something new. With this, we generate a huge amount of waste to be dumped in the environment.
Our proposal is to take advantage of these objects and give them a new look, replacing part of them or adding a new element, making them more updated.
This way, we would be reducing not only the impact of dumping the old object, but also the impact of producing something totally new.
Currently for this, we exchange what we have for something new. With this, we generate a huge amount of waste to be dumped in the environment.
Our proposal is to take advantage of these objects and give them a new look, replacing part of them or adding a new element, making them more updated.
This way, we would be reducing not only the impact of dumping the old object, but also the impact of producing something totally new.
Capela São José. Religious, architectural, mechanical and electrical knowledge was employed in this project.
Also, it was necessary to develop new partners for the work.
It really was a complete design project.
Also, it was necessary to develop new partners for the work.
It really was a complete design project.
In the near future design will tend to a great responsibility to society, because the day after the pandemic crises we will wake up in a new and unknown world. The world will be much different after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be up to the design to adapt the products to the new reality and way of life of society. I hope the design will be ready for that.
There are not a rule. It is a functions of the project being developed.
For example, Luminada Project spend 45 days more or less, Capela São José Project spend several months.
For example, Luminada Project spend 45 days more or less, Capela São José Project spend several months.
Reflecting on the product and its function.
In the case of an order we also try to assimilate the way of thinking, the wishes and expectations of the customer.
Usually the customer does not have an exact idea of what he is looking for, it is up to the designer to understand the needs and propose alternatives that meet them.
In the case of an order we also try to assimilate the way of thinking, the wishes and expectations of the customer.
Usually the customer does not have an exact idea of what he is looking for, it is up to the designer to understand the needs and propose alternatives that meet them.
Be bold, don't be afraid to fail. Every time we make a mistake we learn something new.
I believe it depends a little on the scenario, the context or the time.
However, in most cases the design defines the trends.
Society feels more comfortable being guided, you can see the need we have for a leader or opinion makers.
However, in most cases the design defines the trends.
Society feels more comfortable being guided, you can see the need we have for a leader or opinion makers.
Technology is an aid that allows us to accelerate the creation process and brings us new materials and manufacturing processes, which allows us to innovate with more boldness.
Technology is the great ally in reducing deadlines, shortening significantly the development and prototyping process, so we can be more assertive quickly.
Technology is the great ally in reducing deadlines, shortening significantly the development and prototyping process, so we can be more assertive quickly.
We use 2D graphic software for the first sketches. with the defined idea we move to 3D software so we can visualize the whole.
In terms of hardware we use a good PC with a graphic motherboard, one 28" display and a 30", a pen tablet and a 24" pen display, one notebook, one photo video machine, scan and so on.
In terms of hardware we use a good PC with a graphic motherboard, one 28" display and a 30", a pen tablet and a 24" pen display, one notebook, one photo video machine, scan and so on.
Colors and materials are resources that allow us to explore our inspiration and creativity.
The environment is a constraint to which we have to adapt in order to carry out the work with harmony and unicity.
The environment is a constraint to which we have to adapt in order to carry out the work with harmony and unicity.
The joy and satisfaction of seeing that someone had the ability to create something so amazing.
Color: blue
Place: home
Food: Italian food
Season: spring
Thing and brand: 1967 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
Place: home
Food: Italian food
Season: spring
Thing and brand: 1967 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
The expression of satisfaction and delight of the people when seeing the work done. This is the sign that we have achieved the goal. Arriving at this moment is what motivates us.
Designer Interview
29 April 2020
In my youth, I was an enthusiastic for cars design, and so, I was a passionate of Pininfarina cars design, like the Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider “Duetto”, the IKA-Renault Torino of 1966 which was produced in my country, Argentina.
So, I dreamed to became a car designer. There was not a designer career in my country, so, I decided for Mechanical Engineer career.
As there was not Design career in my country, also, there was no place where to get knowledge and gain experience as a car designer, in this way, I begun to work in Construction Industry Engineering for Oil and Gas Industry. In this area, it was possible to apply a little of creation and some inspirations for the development of the industrial plant.
When I decided for living in Brazil, I married a sculptress artist. We began to set a studio/workshop for her art work production, where I help with my knowledge and experience in construction industries, looking for the structural point of view of her projects.
Since one year ago, I am retired of my profession as Mechanical Engineer, and dedicated my time and experience to Design.
So, I dreamed to became a car designer. There was not a designer career in my country, so, I decided for Mechanical Engineer career.
As there was not Design career in my country, also, there was no place where to get knowledge and gain experience as a car designer, in this way, I begun to work in Construction Industry Engineering for Oil and Gas Industry. In this area, it was possible to apply a little of creation and some inspirations for the development of the industrial plant.
When I decided for living in Brazil, I married a sculptress artist. We began to set a studio/workshop for her art work production, where I help with my knowledge and experience in construction industries, looking for the structural point of view of her projects.
Since one year ago, I am retired of my profession as Mechanical Engineer, and dedicated my time and experience to Design.
Even though the long experience with every kind of materials and manufacturing process, as a Design Studio we are in the beginning of a new career. In this way, we have a big differential, because, this experience helps to define very quickly the right material and manufacturing process for the development of an inspiration.
In our studio/workshop we have all the necessary resources in order to produce a design project, from the concept to the its final conclusion. It is equipped for working with every kind of material, metallic, plastics and woods. So, we have not barriers for the inspiration and creativity. Also, this allow us to make all kinds of prototyping works.
In our studio/workshop we have all the necessary resources in order to produce a design project, from the concept to the its final conclusion. It is equipped for working with every kind of material, metallic, plastics and woods. So, we have not barriers for the inspiration and creativity. Also, this allow us to make all kinds of prototyping works.
Design for me is to find the best shape for an object in order to fulfill its functions, so light and simple as possible, with aesthetic, elegance and harmony.
Design is not only for the object itself. Design have to think in the entire cycle of life of the object. From the concept to its final disposal, Design has to be worry about the impact for the environment of the new object.
Design is not only for the object itself. Design have to think in the entire cycle of life of the object. From the concept to its final disposal, Design has to be worry about the impact for the environment of the new object.
Home products, doors, lightings, tables, stairs and so on.
My favorite design is the Altar of Capela São José. Developed in the last year, the challenge was to create a chapel in a very little room, where would be possible install the art work performed for my wife.
It is very pleasant to work in a complete project, from the concept to the final installation.
The little room was not the only challenge; it was necessary to attempt the Catholic Religion Liturgy.
Thinking in the principal symbol of Catholic Religion, the Cross, it was placed in one corner of the room, and from this point, all the components of the chapel were disposed in concentric rings. In this way, the attentions of the people in every place of the chapel is directed to the Altar and to the Cross, is to say, the function of the Chapel, the Ceremony that glorifies Jesus Christ.
It is very pleasant to work in a complete project, from the concept to the final installation.
The little room was not the only challenge; it was necessary to attempt the Catholic Religion Liturgy.
Thinking in the principal symbol of Catholic Religion, the Cross, it was placed in one corner of the room, and from this point, all the components of the chapel were disposed in concentric rings. In this way, the attentions of the people in every place of the chapel is directed to the Altar and to the Cross, is to say, the function of the Chapel, the Ceremony that glorifies Jesus Christ.
Up to now, we didn’t work for a company. As we say before, we are just beginning in this area employing all the experience in materials and manufacturing process accumulated in my mechanical engineer professions and the esthetical knowledge acquired from my wife.
My favorite materials are the metals, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and so on.
We begin making some drafts in Corel Draw, after this, we transform the concept in the ArtCam or Fusion 360 in accordance with the object and the solutions requirements of the manufacturing process.
In our work there are not a favorite technology, each project requires a specific technology, or a combination of technologies for being performed.
We begin making some drafts in Corel Draw, after this, we transform the concept in the ArtCam or Fusion 360 in accordance with the object and the solutions requirements of the manufacturing process.
In our work there are not a favorite technology, each project requires a specific technology, or a combination of technologies for being performed.
There is not a special period, creativity and inspirations come during the work. Experience shows that the first idea never is the best, you have to work in several drafts, and prototypes in order to obtain what you are looking for.
Function, which is the purpose of the object being designed.
Is a compound of enjoyment and worry; enjoyment for the possibilities of work in what we love, and worry in order to obtain the desired solution for the project.
Again, you don’t feel just one emotion, you feel full of joy and happiness, a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment and, also, gratefulness for the inspiration and the possibility of making it.
I don’t know. We employ our best every time during creation and production of an object, doesn’t matter its value. Somebody said “if the perfection exists, we have to look for it”. During the work, we don’t think in the successful of the piece, we think and look for something that match with the request and function, with simplicity and aesthetical sense.
The Louis Sullivan phrase, “Form follows function”. The form is suitable for the object function?
Design can contribute significantly by taking a responsible and impartial stance with positive society trends.
Designer is responsible for entire life cycle of the products; he must be a little timeless thinking in the future and in the welfare of society, developing simple objects, low maintenance, long-lived, reliable, specially in terms of people safety.
Design has to be developed in order that the impact to the environment will be as minimum as possible, since the material choice up to the final disposal.
Designer is responsible for entire life cycle of the products; he must be a little timeless thinking in the future and in the welfare of society, developing simple objects, low maintenance, long-lived, reliable, specially in terms of people safety.
Design has to be developed in order that the impact to the environment will be as minimum as possible, since the material choice up to the final disposal.
I think that the society is evolving to a simple way of life, in some way, this new trends are influenced by the design. I think that Design is evolving to a minimalist, a simpler way of life.
Furthermore, since the time when designing was the last part to incorporate, design is evolving dramatically. Nowadays design is the primary strategic part for everything, actually, with the introduction of UI and UX, design is the tool that increases any product’s credibility.
In the near future design will tend to a great responsibility to society, because the day after the pandemic crises we will wake up in a new and unknown world. The world will be much different after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be up to the design to adapt the products to the new reality and way of life of society. I hope the design will be ready for that.
Furthermore, since the time when designing was the last part to incorporate, design is evolving dramatically. Nowadays design is the primary strategic part for everything, actually, with the introduction of UI and UX, design is the tool that increases any product’s credibility.
In the near future design will tend to a great responsibility to society, because the day after the pandemic crises we will wake up in a new and unknown world. The world will be much different after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be up to the design to adapt the products to the new reality and way of life of society. I hope the design will be ready for that.
Inspiration comes from the observation, particularly, nature observation, its beauty, simplicity and unity.
But, inspiration is not an automatic process, it is more a process of patience and persistence.
You are looking for something, so, you must be obstinate and perseverant, you must have a very high critical sense for judgement your work in order to achieve the desired design.
The surrounding feed our creativity, the observation of people’s behavior, its desires and necessities. It is possible to learn about society trends walking in the streets, taking a bus or metro, of course, in the internet and so on.
But, inspiration is not an automatic process, it is more a process of patience and persistence.
You are looking for something, so, you must be obstinate and perseverant, you must have a very high critical sense for judgement your work in order to achieve the desired design.
The surrounding feed our creativity, the observation of people’s behavior, its desires and necessities. It is possible to learn about society trends walking in the streets, taking a bus or metro, of course, in the internet and so on.
We look for a minimalist style. Simplicity and essence are the guidelines in our work. With this in mind, you look for the best material, an adequate shape, the simplest production process and a very low impact to the environment.
The belief that life is simple and beauty made us explore this style. Designers have the responsibility of bringing up this nature concept to the society and not only a new shape.
Our approach to design begins by question: What is the purpose of the intended design, what is it going to accomplish? With this answer, we begin to think in different ways to make it. Experience, several drafts and prototypes are involved in this process up to the point in which our critical sense says go ahead.
The belief that life is simple and beauty made us explore this style. Designers have the responsibility of bringing up this nature concept to the society and not only a new shape.
Our approach to design begins by question: What is the purpose of the intended design, what is it going to accomplish? With this answer, we begin to think in different ways to make it. Experience, several drafts and prototypes are involved in this process up to the point in which our critical sense says go ahead.
We live in Sao Paulo, Brazil. São Paulo is a cosmopolitan megalopolis, where coexist side by side the native inhabitants of the city, people from other states of Brazil and immigrants from over 200 countries.
That is why our cultural heritage not only comes from the Portuguese colonization, which is strongly present in the architecture of the downtown, but also, we end up being influenced by the different cultural expressions brought by immigrants, especially Europeans and Japanese.
Living in a multicultural city contributes to creativity, inspiration and awakens an innovative spirit.
We really have to do more with less, since it is difficult for us to have access to new technologies, so we have to employ more experience and creativity in carrying out our work.
That is why our cultural heritage not only comes from the Portuguese colonization, which is strongly present in the architecture of the downtown, but also, we end up being influenced by the different cultural expressions brought by immigrants, especially Europeans and Japanese.
Living in a multicultural city contributes to creativity, inspiration and awakens an innovative spirit.
We really have to do more with less, since it is difficult for us to have access to new technologies, so we have to employ more experience and creativity in carrying out our work.
We began by reflecting on the object and its purpose. We started scribbling several sketches thinking about the alternatives and the possibilities of execution.
We then make the first sketches in the 2d software and with this defined we start for the 3d study.
With this in hands we proceed to prototyping or modeling, depending on the object.
With the prototype or model ready, we analyze its appearance, correct it and change it where necessary, until we are really convinced that we get what we wanted or discard it and start the whole process again.
We then make the first sketches in the 2d software and with this defined we start for the 3d study.
With this in hands we proceed to prototyping or modeling, depending on the object.
With the prototype or model ready, we analyze its appearance, correct it and change it where necessary, until we are really convinced that we get what we wanted or discard it and start the whole process again.
Love your profession, be patience and perseverant. Inspiration is around you; creativity evolves with the work.
Continuous learning and research are a must. Don’t think in success, looks for perfection. Don’t be afraid in fail, every time we fail, we learn something new.
Continuous learning and research are a must. Don’t think in success, looks for perfection. Don’t be afraid in fail, every time we fail, we learn something new.
I wouldn’t say that there are some negative in being a designer, when you love your work, the possibility of create something is always a positive, even when you fail.
The first idea is never the best. It is only the first draft.
Critical sense.
Our toolbox is compound in two parts, the soft and the hard. We call soft the IT ones, here we have a good PC with a graphic motherboard, one 28” display and a 30”, a pen tablet and a 24” pen display, one notebook, one photo video machine, scan and so on. 2D and 3D softwares. The hard toolbox part, is our workshop, there we have and CNC router, a manual router, several kinds of sanders and drilling machines, mechanical and electrical tools and so on.
Sometimes design requires mechanical tools, sometimes electricals tools or carpenter tools, workshop must have tools as requested for the creativity.
Sometimes design requires mechanical tools, sometimes electricals tools or carpenter tools, workshop must have tools as requested for the creativity.
There are not a rule. You have to manage time in accordance with the phase of the work being done. Normally, We go for supplies, materials, tools, during the morning in order to work in the studio or the workshop after lunch, so, we avoid breakdowns during the creativity or producing process.
Again, there are not a rule. It is a functions of the project being developed.
For example, Luminada Project spend 45 days more or less, Capela São José Project spend several months.
For example, Luminada Project spend 45 days more or less, Capela São José Project spend several months.
Time and budget. Normally, clients have no idea what means develop a new object.
Capela São José. Religious, architectural, mechanical and electrical knowledge was employed in this project.
Also, it was necessary to develop new partners for the work.
Also, it was necessary to develop new partners for the work.
Architects and people looking for something different, suitable for their needs or available room and could not find it in the market.
Normally we develop all the work, for some specific activities we count with the services of some partners as in the case of foundry services and forming of big parts in metallic plates.
We are trying to develop a way to reuse what we already have in our homes that has been worn out by use or simply want to redecorate.
Currently for this, we exchange what we have for something new. With this, we generate a huge amount of waste to be dumped in the environment.
Our proposal is to take advantage of these objects and give them a new look, replacing part of them or adding a new element, making them more updated.
This way, we would be reducing not only the impact of dumping the old object, but also the impact of producing something totally new.
Currently for this, we exchange what we have for something new. With this, we generate a huge amount of waste to be dumped in the environment.
Our proposal is to take advantage of these objects and give them a new look, replacing part of them or adding a new element, making them more updated.
This way, we would be reducing not only the impact of dumping the old object, but also the impact of producing something totally new.
People can contact us by the e-mail alerigi@gmail.com , by phone 55 11 3743 2067 or cell number 55 11 99159 3956