Where history meets modernity

“A harmonious blend of past and present: a place where the building’s history merges with modern elements” is how architect Marzia Dainelli, co-founder of the practice Dainelli Studio along with Leonardo Dainelli, describes Pizza del Popolo, chef Fabrizio Marino’s boutique pizzeria in the centre of San Miniato, Tuscany.

The project by Dainelli Studio, consisting of both restoration and major remodelling work, created a warm, welcoming ambience. With its approximately 30 square metre floor area, the restaurant can accommodate up to twelve people and stands out for its harmonious blend of past and present. “The history of the building and its location contrasts pleasingly with the contemporary, essential style of the custom furnishings made by local craftsmen,” explains the architect. Examples include the small tables and armchairs made of metal tubing and discs, and the spherical glass wall lamps with polished brass bases.

“We believe the secret is not to change the overall style of the interior but to focus on details, in this case the surface finishes,” adds Marzia Dainelli. “The splendid historic cross vaults were still in excellent condition, so we wanted to highlight them as an important feature of the existing space,” she says. “That’s why we decided to leave the walls and ceilings with an unfinished, délabré-effect plaster, while adding a contrasting contemporary touch through the use of ceramic tiles. A successful project is always a matter of getting the proportions right, exactly as in good cooking.”

The ceramic tiles chosen for the wall panelling, benches and floor are from the Monoscopio collection, designed by Dainelli Studio for Ceramica Bardelli. The benches and the flooring, both selected in a grey tone terrazzo-effect version, create a sense of continuity and add depth to the space, while the wall panelling, in a bold and elegant shade of blue, combines functionality and decorative appeal thanks to its soft three-dimensional effect.

But what led the architects to choose these products? “Along with the style chosen for the project and the owner’s personal taste, we always try to include a signature element of our own,” says Dainelli. “In this case it is the wall panelling, a vertically ribbed tile that combines functionality and decoration thanks to its soft three-dimensionality,” she explains. “We designed the Monoscopio collection for Ceramica Bardelli in 2021 as an interplay of solids and voids whose timeless aesthetic would adapt to many contexts and provide a touch of understated sophistication. This idea was a perfect match for Pizza del Popolo, allowing us to create a sense of continuity and give the space a greater sense of depth without altering its nature.”