COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT IS A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS FEATURING OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY – THANKS FOR READING! 

MIRKO ROTONDI is a multitalented designer, photographer and composer from Italy and the winner of the Live like a Womo contest. In this interview we chat about his main sources of inspiration and the realization of BOOK, a lighting and sound-absorbing system created for Beta-Calco. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Hi Mirko, thank you for joining us today. Can you quickly introduce yourself to our readers?

Thanks for having me. I’m Mirko Rotondi, a Product Designer based near Rome, Italy. I’ve always been involved with creativity and art from a young age, which led me to wear a few hats today not only as a designer, but also as a composer and photographer.

Your career in photography has spanned various countries, with publications and exhibitions globally. Can you highlight a few key moments?
Well, since you’re asking! I won the Corbis Award in 2008, and my work has been published in ZOOM Magazine (Italy), Der Spiegel (Germany), GeoKompakt (Germany), Il Sole 24 Ore (Italy), and catalogs for the Biennial of Alexandria and Art Verona, where I also exhibited my work, along with other personal exhibitions in Italy, Finland, and Thailand.

That’s quite impressive. Shifting to design, are there any particular collaborations that stand out to you?

Yes, indeed. I’ve had the pleasure to work with several international clients, including Melitta USA, Hairmax, and Beta-Calco. In collaboration with Beta-Calco, we created “BOOK”, a unique lighting and sound-absorbing system that I’m particularly proud of (see gallery).

Could you tell us more about the BOOK project and what made it special?
Working on Book was definitely a standout for me. I collaborated with Beta-Calco, a Canadian company, to design something unique – a product that serves as both a lamp and a sound absorber. We tailored it for larger spaces where controlling noise is a real priority, like in conference rooms, offices, or restaurants. Creating Book posed some interesting challenges. For materials, we ended up using 100% recycled polyester fiber for the exterior and extruded aluminum for the core. The aim was to craft something that was minimalist and cost-effective, yet straightforward to manufacture. When we pitched Book to Beta-Calco’s heads, Etan and Remy Silver, they took to it immediately. They loved the idea of a ‘book’ that both ‘illuminates’ and ‘controls’ sound in a space. In the end, we came out with four versions of Book. Two of them both light up and absorb sound, and the other two are just for sound absorption. The project was particularly special to me because it was a balance of practical design, aesthetics, and a dash of narrative inspiration. It’s rare to work on something that strikes that kind of harmony.

Speaking of creativity, is there a book or resource you find invaluable to your design process?
I would say “The Laws of Simplicity” by John Maeda. It’s a constant companion that reminds me how unnecessary clutter can be obstructive in life. It’s a trove of wisdom on balance, design, and spirituality that I believe anyone immersed in the world of creativity should explore.

Is there a designer or architect whose work you particularly admire?
When it comes to past architects, John Lautner’s visionary approach resonates with me. His designs reflect the Organic Architecture principles set by Wright, beautifully merging nature with innovative materials. Yet, Lautner’s creations go a step further, envisioning living spaces as multi-functional, futuristic forms, often featured in films and photo shoots. As for contemporary designers, Daniel Simon stands out. His specialization in crafting futuristic vehicles for cinema showcases a level of creativity I deeply admire.

Where can our readers connect with you online?
You can find me at my website, rotondi.design.

“BOOK” LIGHTING AND SOUND-ABSORBING SYSTEM BY MIRKO ROTONDI FOR BETA-CALCO. 

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