Name: Camillo De Gaspari
Company: Camdesign
Position within company: Concept designer
Website: www.camdesign.eu
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Since young I expressed myself by drawing ambitious yachts and cars. After the school and after the Architecture biennium I have graduated in Design. University lessons with famous Italian Designers, and important collaborations with Naval Architects of Italian heritage like the Studio Harrauer – and membership to the Royal Institution of Naval Architects – have taught me to continue studying and to improve on technical aspects.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Sport cars of various ages, like muscle cars, Italian or English famous cars, offer a great variety of styles to be inspired from, with a sense of ergonomics (that today seems forgotten) and with the performances as a common factor.
Observing architecture and its photography, or historical yachts it is also a source of interesting contests. About the communication of projects as a student I was very proud of how the sea and the backgrounds were represented in my projects (Emotional Design), then I have focused on yachts as stand-alone products, using more symbolistic and abstract renderings, especially in a preliminary phase of design.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
The colours are very obvious but still a source of wonder, like a motorhead speed and competitions, and the pride to be part of something beautiful and something admired.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Sustainability, in the form of less pollution globally, became necessary to continue to sail in a warmed, overpopulated planet. Augmented reality, like virtual balconies, 3D goggles, or even robotics and the internet of things are ready to use and available, and autonomous (self-driving) vehicles are the next challenge.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
With the current interest about the Arctic Sea and about Space, I see also a revival for explorer yachts, pilot watches, aviator jackets, and similar adventure objects.
For the interior I would like natural materials and contemporary-classic furniture that aim to create a contrast with the latest generation of technology and automations.
Aerodynamic, since CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and new type of satellite antennas will allow for streamlined superstructures on many new builds. Efficiency, as electric engines will benefit from lighter solutions,
and for the same reason multihulls.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
It is difficult to choose a specific scheme for design, where a new technique, a new perspective or a new inspiration are the usually the driving force. In YD the designer’s spiral is still prevailing, while a design epiphany, where design-inspired and technology-driven solutions find a balance, has been hoped from the most influential authorities.
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
My experience with this interesting Event is limited to magazines and readings, with some prestigious and iconic projects to observe. Hopefully I will discover more this year.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on the executive phase of a line of tenders and bay-boats, with the most recent technological solutions (i.e. water-jets), and a traditional look, something that would not look out of place in the bay of Portofino (cit.), or on the deck of a tall-ship. I am also drafting a full displacement custom m/y and a support vessel.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Since I will make 40s this week (19th Oct.) I would like to communicate and share something by teaching or writing, and to establish new collaborations for future works.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Fiat Nuova 500L (1974)
Your favourite holiday destination?
Antibes, Lake of Como, Cala di Volpe
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
A resort with a SPA and full English breakfast. A nice pub, and an Oyster Bar.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Hemingway 49 short stories, Star Trek the classic series, Le Turandot
Your favourite food and drink?
Lasagna with pesto and wine & soda
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I’d like to go out fishing (catch & release) with some of my friends
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Maybe a wooden furniture restorer
Anything else interesting?
Not at the moment, but I will take note in the future.