Kazuide Takahama
Japanese, yet Bolognese by adoption, architect and designer Kazuhide Takahama (Nobeoka, 1930 - Bologna, 2010) is known for the rigorous line and formal cleanliness of his furniture and lamps, which often evoke the ancient art of lacquering. This approach, which can be traced back to Zen compositions, was reflected in the designer's way of working, so silent that he was nicknamed by his colleagues "the stone man". By the young age of 27, Takahama had already gained experience at the Kazuo Fujioka studio, and arrived in Milan in 1957 to coordinate the setting up of the Japanese pavilion at the 11th Triennale. The occasion would mark his career forever: it is here that he met designer and entrepreneur Dino Gavina, with whom he established a collaboration that would last a lifetime. In 1964, Takahama moved to Bologna, and besides working with Gavina, who gave him the opportunity to collaborate with design masters of the caliber of Carlo Scarpa, he established lasting partnerships with legendary made in Italy furniture brands, including Simon, Paradisoterrestre, B&B, Sirrah. Takahama also designed interiors for private residences, as well as receiving prestigious public commissions, such as the facade and the VIP lounge of the Guglielmo Marconi airport and the Bologna's bus stops platform roofs.