Accademia Italiana of Thailand Professor Wins 4th International Design Award in 2007
Academia Italiana of Thailand has announced that Francesco Cappuccio has won his fourth major International design award in 2007. The string of product design awards began with the selection and second prizes at Korea’s Incheon International Design Competition, followed by Singapore’s Red Dot design award. Cappuccio now has been awarded first prize at Italy’s “Significant Furniture 07″ for his Louis XXI coffee table. Designed through a process of deconstruction and reconstruction, the table combines 21st century modernity with the classic Louis XVI style to emphasize the importance of reading in daily life.
According to judges, Cappuccio’s table design took top honors for its ability to express additional values and meanings. The table was viewed as a significant reflection of living culture: a piece of furniture with a strong ironic connection to classicism in which image with references to modern art is inserted and an original and functional solution is added. Louis XXI will be on permanent display at the Museum of Applied Art and Design in Verona, Italy.
A faculty member of Academia Italiana, Francesco Cappuccio currently works and teaches at the institute’s campus in Bangkok, Thailand, where the designer shares his professional experience and enthusiasm for design with international students. When asked about his recent string of awards, Cappuccio said, “It is always a great honor to be recognized by one’s peers. But what is most rewarding to me is when I can share with students what I’ve learned in the field of design and mentor their growth. I see my legacy both in my personal works as a designer and my relationships with students both are extremely important to me.”
With its main headquarters in Florence, just a few steps away from Pitti Palace (the historic area where Versace, Armani, Valentino, Fendi and other famous Italian designers began their careers), Academia Italiana is renowned for its dedicated teaching staff of experience design professionals. The institute has assembled a faculty of world-class designers at its Bangkok campus, which opened in 2007. Other faculty in addition to Cappuccio include: Oscar-winning set designer Gianni Quaranta; famous fashion choreographer Kevin Oakes; and trend-setting fashion designer Lucio Antonucci. During the next three years, AI expects to become the most important fashion and design institute in Southeast Asia.
“We all are extremely proud of Ajarn Francesco’s accomplishments,” said Academic Director Paothong Thongchuea. And we expect even further recognition for him this year. As the 2007 design awards season comes to a close, Cappuccio indeed may be recognized with yet another win. The Academia Italiana of Thailand professor has been shortlisted at the Magistretti International Competition in Milan, the results of which will be announced in the coming month.
