October 14, 2026 12:00pm EDT
“Venice is like a poem, a living work of art with its own sense of architectural rhythm and grace.” T.S Eliot
Described as a cross between Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn, Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978) was born in Venice, a city that profoundly influenced his architectural approach. Immersed in this rich environment, Scarpa developed a deep respect for craftsmanship, traditional materials, and the cultural significance of architecture. His career was marked by a masterful fusion of modernist principles with artisanal techniques, resulting in buildings that were both functional and poetically evocative.
Scarpa’s designs are renowned for their intricate interplay of light, shadow, and texture, creating spaces that merge modernity with tradition. Scarpa’s ability to harmonize contemporary architecture with historical contexts stands as a testament to his innovative approach and commitment to craftsmanship, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of architects and designers worldwide.
Join Annalisa Capurro, aka @ms.modernism, an interior designer, architectural historian, preservationist and Modernism Week Board Director, as she delves into Scarpa’s extraordinary work and legacy. Discover how her deep connection to Scarpa’s architecture was forged during her time living and working as a designer in Venice, Italy.
About the Presenters
Annalisa Capurro
Annalisa Capurro is an interior designer, lecturer, architectural historian, and internationally recognized speaker with more than three decades of experience working across commercial, residential, hospitality, preservation, and textile design in Australia, the United States, Italy, and Scandinavia.
Annalisa is a Partner and Principal Designer at Capurro + Davis Design, a Palm Springs–based practice specializing in mid-century modern renovation and restoration, alongside the creation of refined, contemporary, and sustainable interiors. Annalisa serves on the Board of Directors of Modernism Week, where she holds the position of Treasurer, contributing to the stewardship, global promotion, and preservation of modern architecture and design culture.
A highly respected educator for several decades, Annalisa has held numerous professional leadership roles, including Vice-President of the Art Deco Society of NSW, member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 20th Century Heritage Committee, Councillor for the Design Institute of Australia, and board positions with the Australian Architecture Association and Modern Art Projects.
A passionate advocate for the preservation of modern architecture, Annalisa is the owner of the 1957 Sulman Award–winning Jack House in Sydney, designed by architect Russell Jack, and was instrumental in securing its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.