Influence

"The house Malaparte dreamed into being is arguably the century's most eloquent marriage of landscape and architecture." (Flood, Richard)
 

After Malaparte passed away, Casa Malaparte was given to the People's Republic of China, as Malaparte had assigned in his will. In 1963, six years after his death, film director Jean-Luc Godard organized a small gathering at Casa Malaparte. He invited Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance, and Fritz Lang (all of whom became stars in his feature film, Le Mepris or Contempt). Godard's film became revered for capturing what Curzio Malaparte saw was beautiful on the island.

"Malaparte faced the challenge of finding a relevant imagery in an era devoid of social and religious accord-a time of cynicism, unrest, pluralism, chaos...Beyond his self-possessed and maverick persona, Malaparte intuitively sensed that this dwelling place must serve as a contextual sponge, absorbing and disseminating ideas of a multidimensional nature" (Wines, James).

 Pictured above is Brigette Bardot, lead female in "Le Mepris" (Source: sgtr)

 Movie still from "Le Mepris" (Source: blueprintreview)

There is no doubt that this building resembles a piece of inspiring literary art or a painting as much as it is a piece of architecture. Malaparte's intention for the house was to create something that would communicate his own outlook on nature and society. Ultimately, he was an artist and art was his life, thus, the decisions he made for the house were carefully chosen to represent what he most valued. Casa Malaparte transformed the way in which we view architecture. 

Similar to the way in which a painting can reflect the character of the painter or a sculpture can reflect the sculptor, a building can be made in the image of the architect. The way in which the villa sits on such a rare site, surrounded by a dramatic landscape, it is not surprise that other architects have tried to emulate the cathartic experience of being in the house.

A building often compared to Casa Malaparte is one designed by Lucio Rosato, in Riparo Bardella di Ortona (Chieti). The construction phase of the building was between 2000 to 2006. Upon completion, this modern building compliments Casa Malaparte in a bare minimal method. Both houses are built parallel to the sea, overlooking the vast horizon. In the same way Malaparte has hoped to frame the landscape, Rosato's design invites one to see the infinite  perspective of the sea horizon.

The roof terrace where one can see the view of the landscape (Source: 2modern) 

 A massive horizon of blue (Source: 2modern)

The highlight of Rosato's building is also on the roof terrace although there is a large swimming pool surrounded by white stone. The overall concept of walking onto the rooftop to get to a dramatic view of the coast is present in both Malaparte and Rosato's work. Both projects are well-placed on its landscape, existing harmoniously with their environments; they are both bold statements as the buildings speak for themselves, merging purpose with shape and form.

 This small parti drawing illustrates 'the big idea' of a 
walk parallel to the slope of the landscape (Source: 2modern)

The surrounding area is well-preserved. The Mediterranean vegetation creates a random harmony as the house attempts to be a natural artifice. However, it does not try to embed the house into the landscape, instead, it is a bold statement, a piercing block of white among a landscape of green and blue. (Source: 2modern )

In addition to Casa Malaparte's influences on architecture, it had influenced fashion as well as art and music. In fashion, Persol, a well-known English sunglasses brand, was inspired by Casa Malaparte to design and create its very own sunglasses. Below is a video that illustrates the influences and origins of their design. 

This pair of sunglasses are sold for approximately 261 Canadian Dollars. 

The video relates the two designs into one and clearly exemplifies the smooth elegance of Casa Malaparte. 

Casa Malaparte has also served as inspiration for many other works. For example, Gina Verster completed a painting of Casa Malaparte with oil.

Oil on Canvas (Casa Malaparte)

This painting accurately portrays Casa Malaparte as it is shown surrounded by a mass of blue: the sky and water. It also depicts the foundation on which Casa Malaparte stands, the length and depth of the limestone and the oak that hug against the building. In addition, the fluidity of the smooth sail on the roof terrace is illustrated as almost the main focal point, the bright pure white amidst a painting of muted colours. (Source : Gina Verster )

Finally, Casa Malaparte has also influenced musicians and performers. In this particular case, a composer as well. The image below shows the complicated composition by Daniele Lombardi.

It does not follow traditional music writing and is highly contemporary and abstract. It is filled with trills, flats, and unexpected decrescendos and crescendos. It shows the character of architecture through the use of music, and illustrates the complexity of Casa Malaparte.