Curious Coffee Drinker | Luca Zanardo — Milan, Italy

Curious Coffee Drinker | Luca Zanardo — Milan, Italy

We first met Luca in Milan during our Dark Room event, where we shared conversations around coffee.

A Conversation with Luca

How did you fall in love with coffee and what does home coffee time mean to you?

Sometimes, the people we meet leave a lasting impression and shape the way we see the world. My interest in coffee began through conversations with Marco, a longtime friend who works as a barista and roaster at Orsonero, one of my favorite specialty coffee shops in Milan.

Over time, brewing coffee at home became an important part of my daily routine. It gives me a chance to slow down and appreciate not only the coffee itself, but also the people, cultures, and traditions behind it. In a society where we often consume things without much thought, I find value in taking a moment to enjoy something carefully made, especially when it can be shared with friends.


What is your background, and how does that influence what you currently do?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming an architect, which led me to study architecture in high school and later design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. My education taught me to look for meaning in the things I create and experience.

That perspective continues to influence me today. I believe that understanding comes through both study and experience, and I try to approach life with curiosity, always looking for opportunities to learn and grow.


What is the relationship between visual perception and taste for you?

I believe taste, memory, and imagery are deeply connected. Many of us associate certain foods or drinks with specific moments from our childhood or important experiences in our lives.

For me, food and drink can act almost like a projector of memories, bringing back emotions and images that might otherwise remain forgotten. I find that connection between our senses incredibly beautiful and fascinating.


What inspires you?

Inspiration can appear unexpectedly or come from something we intentionally seek out. It is difficult for me to identify a single source because I am inspired by many different things.

I am naturally curious, and I enjoy exploring a wide range of interests, from art and design to photography and everyday life. Often, inspiration comes from discovering unexpected connections between these different worlds.


Do you have a dream project?

I would love to find a way to bring together the different passions that have shaped my life, including design, photography, and coffee. At the moment, I do not have a clear vision of what that project might look like, but I am excited by the possibility of seeing those interests come together in a meaningful way.

For now, I am enjoying the process of exploration and looking forward to wherever it may lead.