The Downside-up apartment designed by Clinicaurbana in Treviso, Italy, showcases a captivating inversion of spatial hierarchies. Featuring a dominant concrete soffit that dictates the room dynamics, this 2023 project subverts traditional design norms. The horizontal plane counteracts the vertical wooden panels, creating a harmonious interplay of elements. Traversing the space, tortuous profiles weave along the architectural lines, seamlessly integrating domestic furnishings and equipment, evoking a “delirium of detail” that captivates the eye.

About Downside-up
Downside-up: Inverting Architectural Hierarchy in Treviso Apartment
Stepping into the Downside-up apartment in Treviso, Italy, designed by Clinicaurbana in 2023, is an exercise in architectural subversion. From the exterior, the structure exudes a modernist sensibility, with clean lines and a minimalist facade. Yet, as one crosses the threshold, the design narrative takes an unexpected turn, challenging the traditional hierarchy of space. Concrete Dominance and Wooden Fluidity
The central feature that commands attention is the functional concrete ceiling, which asserts its presence throughout the apartment’s interior. This bold design decision inverts the typical relationship between ceiling and walls, creating a sense of weightiness that permeates the living areas. In contrast, the warm wooden panels that line the walls flow seamlessly, bending and twisting to demarcate the various zo...