'moulding matters' combines architectural craft with contemporary design

taking place in naples, italy, and initiated by neopolitan architect jessica pappalardo, ‘moulding matters’ is a new design phenomenon conducting research through hands-on casting of traditional ornamental profiles and motifs. supported by an international group of architects, historians and fabricators, the project seeks to engage the city’s architectural heritage – working with not only its historic structures but also its rich legacy of architectural craft, in particular the trade of cast ornamental plaster.

all images courtesy of moulding matters

the project aims to question and extend the role of architectural mouldings, from the ruins of pompeii through to neoclassical palazzos and up to postmodern icons. the team’s agenda invents a new platform to explore traditional architectural craft on the brink of extinction, working with the fourth-generation donofrio family of plaster artisans, as well as various advocates and architects involved with architectural heritage in the city of naples. ‘moulding matters’ seeks to reanimate the intricate and sensuous qualities of tired neoclassical decorations, to develop fresh, irreverent applications for this architectural device.

launched last spring in collaboration with the architectural association school of london, the first ‘moulding matters’ workshop took place during the festivities of easter weekend in naples’ san’ita neighbourhood. the event brought a diverse group of architectural students, young professionals and art history enthusiasts to take over the 17th century church and hospital complex, santa maria della misericordiella ai vergini, for one week, creating a temporary plaster atelier led by the local donofrio artisans and london-based designer-fabricators jenya andersson and rem sembi.

using traditional motifs and casting techniques as a starting point, and then gradually incorporating contemporary elements and technology (3d scanning and printing), the collective gradually developed their own design agendas and variations. the team used the repetitive process of casting to refine and articulate new ideas and aesthetics in the form of vivid, playful and sensitive objects and installations.

through the success of the first workshop, ‘moulding matters’ has been invited by curators ambra favi and giovanni piovene to present at the lisbon triennale this fall, as part of the exhibition ‘what is ornament?’ at the culturegest venue. bringing together artworks, objects, furniture, books, movies and photographs, ‘what is ornament‘ exhibition is divided into six rooms that correspond to six sections. it argues that ornament has never completely disappeared, that it survived modern architecture’s preference for the minimal and exists with many different definitions.

preparations are underway and a second workshop is soon to take place this summer in the palazzo ayerbo d’aragona cassano, presently the casa fondazione morra, a contemporary art space founded by art collector giuseppe morra.

project info:

project name: ‘moulding matters‘

project location: naples, italy

founder: jessica pappalardo

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom