Once we got over our initial fear that Paolo Mastrogiuseppe’s avant garde espresso machine was silently preparing to fire projectile missiles in our direction, we were able to better appreciate that A: it’s an absolutely stunning life-meets-art, gracefully designed, innovative concept in design and B: it makes a damn fine cup of coffee.
Mastrogiuseppe is no stranger to the concept of marrying art and engineering. The South African designer spent the last few years making Grand Prix-inspired coffee brewers shaped like Formula One race car engines. Prior to that he worked with his engineer father, Raffaelle, manufacturing components for the automotive industry followed by a period of study at the Johannesburg Academy of Design and Drafting.
Aviatore Veloce, Mastrogiuseppe’s latest permutation in the world of espresso-meets-engine, is crafted from aviation-grade aluminium alloy, stainless steel, and aluminium bronze. Though its intricate shape mimics a prototype of a military jet engine, the actual operation is remarkably simple—add coffee, add water, pick a single or double shot, and hey presto, a perfect steaming espresso. From the jet engine gently placed on your countertop. Your coolness factor just shot through the ceiling with the force of, well, a missile.