Gavina showroom in Bologna: the unique shop by Carlo Scarpa
- Category: Shop
If you love modern architecture and interior design you already know that in Bologna there's a precious jewel that draws visitors from around the world: it's Dino Gavina showroom in Via Altabella, 23.
It was designed and built in the '60s by Carlo Scarpa, one of the most important Italian architectural designs of the twentieth century, to host Gavina's furniture showroom.
It was designed and built in the '60s by Carlo Scarpa, one of the most important Italian architectural designs of the twentieth century, to host Gavina's furniture showroom.
Who is Carlo Scarpa
His prestigious teaching and his professional activities are mainly focused on the preparation of exhibitions and shows, on the restoration of monuments, on the construction of private homes and shops.
Carlo Scarpa was able to develop projects and interventions in ancient contexts, thanks to his skills in reading the existing architecture.
This feature was seen by his contemporaries as a limit, but by today's critics is seen as a strength: he worked like the great architects of the past and his architecture is therefore against the current movements of his time.
Carlo Scarpa was able to develop projects and interventions in ancient contexts, thanks to his skills in reading the existing architecture.
This feature was seen by his contemporaries as a limit, but by today's critics is seen as a strength: he worked like the great architects of the past and his architecture is therefore against the current movements of his time.
Details of Gavina showroom in Bologna
The usage of different colours and materials in perfect armony
New furniture by Reverso inside Gavina showroom
Gavina's shop in Bologna
In Italy there are only two stores designed by Scarpa. One is in Piazza San Marco in Venice and hosts Olivetti showroom, the other one is in Bologna.
This shop, on the ground floor of a Bologna house, was previously a hardware store.
Scarpa had to reshape a messy place divided by load-bearing walls and unsuited to the client's display purposes.
The solution designed by Scarpa, using an outside facade with large round windows, became one of the most unique references in the urban scene, increasing, at the same time, violent controversy in the name of conservation and respect of the ancient city.
Today this work is universally recognized as a cornerstone of contemporary Italian architecture.
This shop, on the ground floor of a Bologna house, was previously a hardware store.
Scarpa had to reshape a messy place divided by load-bearing walls and unsuited to the client's display purposes.
The solution designed by Scarpa, using an outside facade with large round windows, became one of the most unique references in the urban scene, increasing, at the same time, violent controversy in the name of conservation and respect of the ancient city.
Today this work is universally recognized as a cornerstone of contemporary Italian architecture.
Details of a door in Gavina showroom in Bologna
Surprise: you can also find a fountain!
How to visit Gavina Showroom in Bologna
The showroom was used by Gavina until 1990 and then became a toy shop by Hoffmann until Feb. 2016.
In September 2020 the shop opened again to exhibit clothes under the name Vintage55.
In September 2020 the shop opened again to exhibit clothes under the name Vintage55.
Try to imagine it as it was, but even with trendy clothes, it's nothing less than amazing.
Gavina showroom in 2020 with its new life
Info
Dino Gavina's showroom (now Vintage55 clothes shop)
Via Altabella 32, Bologna
Opening Time
Monday to Saturday 10:30 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 7:30 pm
Credits:
Carlo Scarpa - Sergio Los - Taschen, 1993
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