Meu Apartment Overhaul Reimagines Genoan Maritime Past to Speak Today

Molo, Meu (/mø:/) in Genoese, Mole in english, is a neighborhood nestled between the sea and the city—a place imbued with the scent of salt and the spirit of labor, as reflected in the names of its narrow alleys—Vico Bottai (“Coopers’ Alley”), Vico delle Vele (Sailmakers’ Alley)—echoes of its maritime soul. Partially destroyed during World War II bombings, it was rebuilt in the 1960s, transforming the homes of artisans into modern dwellings for dockworkers and laborers. Its history and port vocation have shaped this small district into a world of its own, inhabited by a proud and resilient community. Only recently have the traditional shops begun to give way to workshops of young creatives. Thus, one might step into a coworking space of graphic designers and encounter an elderly local, stopping by to greet and share stories of Il Molo.

It is within this context, overlooking the Mura di Malapaga and the port warehouses, that the renovation project of an apartment owned by a young creative takes shape—someone who chose the Molo neighborhood as the place to put down roots. From the outset, the client expressed a desire to create a network and develop the project not only with llabb architettura but also with Mobilia, a Ligurian company specializing in furniture and design, which—like llabb—has one of its branches in the narrow alleys of the historic center. Three distinct yet complementary entities.

The spatial layout has been reimagined. The sleeping area, once south-facing, was relocated to the north to prioritize a spacious living area, enhanced by reopening a previously closed window, offering views to the west.

The pattern of the parquet flooring guides the eye from the entrance to the living area, created by merging two rooms. The kitchen, discreetly hidden from the entrance view, unfolds linearly without overhead cabinets, replaced by two long shelves that emphasise the geometric lines of the space.

Although visually connected, the kitchen and living room are perceptively separated by exposed reinforced concrete beams, paying homage to the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. These raw structures, reminiscent of the port cranes, narrate the project’s connection to its surroundings.

The architectural narrative gives way to the furniture, a result of collaboration between the designers, the client, and Mobilia. The outcome is a contemporary, pop, and at times irreverent environment, playing with dynamic color combinations in harmonious balance. “In Mobilia, we found perfect teammates, with whom we could experiment and challenge ourselves to achieve a result that truly reflects the client’s spirit.” Luca Scardulla

The living room is enlivened by vibrant artworks, such as Pica Blu’s cyanotype prints and illustrations by Marco Oggian. These elements are complemented by iconic pieces like the USM modular system, Hay’s Mags Soft Low sofa, and Castiglioni’s Parentesi lamp, along with objects collected by the client over time. The result is a playful mix of forms and colors designed to adapt and evolve.

From the entrance, a distinct change in parquet pattern leads to the study and sleeping area. Here, the existing doors have been repurposed and reinterpreted, with each handle in a different color, adding a pop touch to the hallway.

In the study and bedroom, iconic pieces from the 1950s to the present are showcased, featuring brands ranging from Zanotta to Ikea (with its contemporary mirrored Malm). The wardrobe is concealed behind a white cotton curtain, lending an airy and suspended feel to the room.

In the bathroom, a grid of 10×10 cm white tiles with blue grout lines defines the shower area, turning it into a graphic element that amplifies the spatial perception. In contrast, details such as a sinuously shaped mirror and orange accents introduce a spontaneous note, defining an essential and contemporary visual language.