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F5: Giulio Barresi on an Underwater Restaurant, a Dyson Vacuum + More

11.29.24 | By
F5: Giulio Barresi on an Underwater Restaurant, a Dyson Vacuum + More

Growing up in Geneva, Switzerland with a Norwegian mother and Sicilian father, Giulio Barresi was convinced he would follow a more traditional route, with an emphasis on biology. As he looked into more artistic fields he became intrigued, and decided to study media interaction design at university. Photography was a starting point, but soon his work evolved to blend coding, electronics, and visuals.

Even though Barresi was invigorated by experimentation, he wasn’t sure his trajectory was the right one. He still has moments of questioning, but it is all a part of his process, and ultimately, his successes. “It took some time for me to feel fully confident in my path,” Barresi says. “After about two years into my professional career I came to the conclusion that I truly enjoy what I do. Of course, there are moments when imposter syndrome creeps in, but I see it as a healthy challenge that keeps me pushing to grow and improve.”

A man with short hair and a mustache smiles while sitting outdoors near a fence and a beach.

Giulio Barresi

Barresi has had many supporters along the way, each offering their own unique perspectives that still inspire him. A high school English teacher was an African-American woman and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She taught Barresi the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, which then sparked his interest in activism. And his filmmaker friend encouraged him to turn his passion into a profession.

After a brief stint at a small design studio, Barresi joined technology brand Logitech, helping to shape the global product lineup from personal workspace solutions to gaming equipment. Now the company’s head of UX, Controllers, he recently led the development of MX Creative Console, a groundbreaking set of tools for professional creatives.

He uses much simpler implements when he sets out to capture some of the concepts that pop up in the most unexpected places. Sticky notes are his go-to, and he’ll jot things down on almost any surface he can write on. Yet, he’s ready to try another medium, one that allows him to use the power of his voice. “The one thing I haven’t explored yet is audio recordings,” Barresi adds. “I can actually imagine myself walking around with a small recorder, talking through ideas as they come to mind.”

Today, Giulio Barresi joins us for Friday Five!

A person sits on a bed holding a plate of food, reminiscent of a scene from a Giulio Barresi painting. Nearby, on the red rug, rests a small wooden table adorned with a portable basket and glass, capturing an essence of everyday elegance.

Photo: Courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

1. Beosound A5 by Bang & Olufsen

I love this one. We have a long history with the Bang & Olufsen brand in my family, with B&O pieces passed generations down. The object represents brand heritage with references to the famous Beolit 600. It also invites us to rethink our relationship to music. This object is a way to capture something immaterial, sound. I often bring the Beosound A5 with me to a party or a dinner and play my favourite artists, as one would bring flowers or a bottle of wine.

The Giulio Barresi cheese slicer features a sleek stainless steel and wooden design, complemented by its unique triangular blade for precision slicing.

Photo: Courtesy of Bjørklund

2. “Ostehøvel” or cheese slicer

It’s a Norwegian invention to cut very thin slices of cheese, usually Norwegian brown goat cheese. I like objects with a unique purpose and I wanted to call this one out as it’s part of my cultural heritage, beyond being pretty cool and convenient.

While Giulio Barresi vacuums the wooden stairs with a hand-held cleaner, a fluffy cat sits serenely on a higher step, observing the diligent work below.

Photo: Courtesy of Dyson

3. Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

I really HATE vacuuming. Or maybe I used to hate vacuuming, until I started using the Dyson vacuum cleaners. I like how this engineering/design led company looks at solving user problems. It’s very technological, which sometimes leads to commercial failures, and sometimes creates amazing experiences. I’m really impressed by their ability to make people like vacuuming with their product.

Experience the enchanting world of Giulio Barresi's underwater restaurant, where round tables and chairs are perfectly positioned to offer an unobstructed view through expansive windows into the mesmerizing aquatic world.

Photo: Ivar Kvaar

4. Under

An underwater culinary experience. I visited Under, the underwater restaurant in the south of Norway this summer. The revamped concept proposes an incredible culinary experience from a very humble and welcoming team, at par with the impressive architectural work of Norwegian architect firm Snøhetta. Being able to experience an incredible Michelin star culinary journey – five metres underwater – watching sea stars gliding on the massive window and fishes swim by, is a pretty unforgettable experience.

A colorful kitchen table adorned with mugs, a teapot, a vase of flowers, and juicy fruit evokes the vibrant artistry of Giulio Barresi. Bright floral patterns dance on the tablecloth and cups, set against a tiled wall and lively green curtain backdrop.

Photo: Courtesy of Marimekko

5. The Unikko Pattern from Marimekko

This 60-year-old pattern is instinctively recognizable as Marimekko but never feels outdated. The play around shades and pattern sizes generates a variety of ambiances across fashion pieces and home decor. This iconic Finnish design contrasts with the sometimes austere nordic climate, bringing warmth into peoples homes and lives. Every time I wear a Marimekko piece, eyes turn on me, and the floral pattern sparks conversation.

 

Works by Giulio Barresi for Logitech:

A square-shaped webcam with a textured front, reminiscent of Giulio Barresi's sleek designs, mounted on a white clip against a pristine white background.

A sleek editing console designed by Giulio Barresi, featuring a control dial and a keypad with nine labeled buttons for creative software functions.

A white ergonomic computer mouse with a vertical design, featuring a scroll wheel, side buttons, and the distinctive Giulio Barresi brand logo.

A white wireless computer mouse designed by Giulio Barresi features a scroll wheel, a DPI button, and a glowing green indicator light.

A compact mechanical keyboard designed by Giulio Barresi, featuring light gray and white keys on a pristine white background.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.