Framing Space

Written by Omar Dahabra

Location: Bergamo, Italy
Year: 2023
Architects: Studio MOTOR
Photography by: Simone Bossi

A minimalist apartment renovation in Bergamo

The Broseta apartment, situated in a former Sacramentine convent in Bergamo, bridges the gap between the nuns' Catholic school and the historic city center. The renovation embraces preservation while thoughtfully enhancing the space. Through careful removal of accumulated additions, the original spatial integrity has been restored. A minimal linear partition introduces rhythm and distinguishes between service areas and living spaces. Studio MOTOR's approach incorporated neuroscience research on spatial perception and the performative features of daily life, considering both ergonomics and the sensory experience of designed spaces.

"People perceive space through their potential physical interaction with it—whether they can walk through it, move comfortably, or experience openness versus constraint. Different spaces can evoke distinct sensations: a narrow threshold heightens the feeling of passage, while transitioning from compressed to open spaces amplifies the sense of expansiveness. Domesticity exists as both spatial reality and mental territory." explains MOTOR co-founder Giulia Rapizza.

This research manifests in an apartment that appears deceptively simple at first glance. Closer inspection reveals thoughtful details—from door placement to corridor proportions to bathtub positioning—that create a narrative of subtle sophistication. Each design choice, no matter how small, invites residents to engage in an intimate, dynamic performance within their space. The home offers respite from external chaos through minimalist design that favors clarity and refined simplicity over stimulation.

The apartment's north-south orientation creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow, fleeting choreographies reminiscent of Vilhelm Hammershøi's paintings. Custom built-in furniture seamlessly integrates with the space, adding precise touches of color and geometric patterns to the white walls. Text description by the architects.

Source: www.studiomotor.eu
Gross Floor Area: 140 sqm

Omar Dahabra
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