Dozens of large hotels in Italy bear the signature of Marcello Ceccaroli, a well-known Roman architect who travels the world in search of new suggestions. A sector, that of hôtellerie, which is also changing in the sign of art.
Your studio is specialized in hôtellerie. Could you explain us this choice?
It is a path that began immediately after graduation, in 1994, when I moved to Brianza to work with a company that operated in this sector. These were top-level hotels, almost all five-star. I learnt a lot there, starting from the bottom and working my way up to project management. In 1999 I opened my own studio in Rome, and since then we have realised more than 130 structures, including hotels and restaurants, in Italy.
What is the aspect that fascinates you most about this job?
I ended up in the world of hospitality almost by chance, but I have found it really fascinating. It certainly stimulates me from a professional point of view, because the hôtellerie sector is always expanding and gives a lot of visibility: it’s one thing to create a private home, it’s another thing to put your own signature on the design of a hotel, which is frequented by so many people. Moreover, it’s a world that is constantly evolving, with innovative products that open the way to many challenges. Suffice it to say that in the past my studio only dealt with interiors, whereas today they ask us for a complete design: location, architectural, structural, plant engineering and furniture design. I love my job so much, that I have turned my holidays into an opportunity to learn more and more: I travel with my family to visit the most interesting hotels around the world, so I always keep myself updated and inspired.
What has changed in the sector over the years?
Thirty, thirty-five years ago, the hotel was a closed building, whose business was limited to the clientele. Today, hotels have opened up to the city, they organise and host fashion shows, exhibitions, receptions, events. Hotel restaurants, which were previously disregarded by external customers, are now important meeting points. There is also a change taking place in Italy, which comes last in this: in the past, hotels in our country were almost all run by private individuals, while today large chains are spreading, as is already the case abroad.
You mentioned exhibitions. So there is room for art in hotels?
Yes, certainly. Hotels can host temporary exhibitions in their hall, and this is one of the ways in which art can enter this sector. But there is also room for it in the design phase. For example, we recently built a hotel near Termini Station in Rome, and on this occasion we turned to the well-known sculptor Jago, who created a series of works especially for us. I often include works of art in my projects, because this way the hotel guest can enjoy them during their stay.
In this regard, what do you think of the Cinquerosso Arte project?
I must say that I would love to collaborate. I have seen some really interesting works, and I would like to include pieces in my projects sooner or later because it could be a beautiful combination. When I design a hotel, I take a lot of inspiration from the location: I like to think that I can find artworks that give added value consistent with this inspiration, that give character and recognisability. The hotel has only to gain from being able to display an artistic imprint. When I travel, I am happy when a hotel gives me emotions, and what could be more exciting than art?
We are close to the Salone del Mobile in Milan, a very important event for those in the trade. Will you be there?
We have two projects we would like to exhibit. One will be housed in an experimental stand, while the other is a real hotel room, but I cannot say more because they are surprises reserved for the fair.
