Carlo Mollino, Casa Rivelli, Torino (Italy), 1941

The never realized house Rivelli in Turin of 1941 can be seen as one of Mollino’s approaches to modern architecture which goes further than the usual rationalism. It consists of two functional areas: entrance/studio and bedroom creating a homogeneous space while the other one consists of living room, kitchen and bathroom. In this house, photographical elements can be found aside to movable features. For example, big frames with photographic posters are imitating windows and are typical for Mollino’s work in the 30s. He wanted to create a certain separation: while curtains are hiding the openings to the exterior while the photographic panels separate fictional the interior. Other features of the Rivelli house are, a closet for the coats in the entrance, a curved wall, the place on a fixed platform in front of the chimney, the table in the living room, the desk with a pole for the lamp and a storing box. The nature of Mollino’s design pieces is neither functional nor ergonomic and it is not comparable to the Milan design style of the 50s. The usage of wood is not because of his quality as a natural material but for his outline to create noticeable dynamics rather than plastic.

Reviewed March 2017 by:
Yue Shang
Xiaolin Lu
Lizhongyang Zhou
Adelina Muntean