Francesco Pellisari: Revolutionary Mind in Acoustic Science

Visionary of Sound, Form, and Acoustic Experience

Francesco Pellisari is an Italian artist, designer, inventor, and acoustic visionary renowned for redefining how sound interacts with space, form, and perception. For more than twenty years, he has created a body of work that blurs the boundaries between art and science, where technology, shape, material, and craftsmanship converge to shape unforgettable sound experiences. 

Early Life and Influences

Born into a culturally rich environment, Francesco grew up surrounded by sculptors, painters, poets, designers, musicians, and craftsmen, influenced by his father’s involvement in the influential Italian cultural movement Gruppo 63. 

From an early age, he displayed exceptional musical sensitivity, being recognized in his youth by Italian violinist Ronald Valpreda (first violin with the Solisti Veneti) for his absolute pitch (perfect pitch)—a rare ability that would shape his lifelong engagement with sound. 

Art Meets Technology

Pellisari’s work stems from a deep conviction that acoustic design cannot be separated from artistic expression. He conceives his creations not merely as technical devices but as audio sculptures—objects that function as musical instruments and transform the listening environment into a living part of the experience. 

Using time-honored materials such as ceramic, wood, and metal, Pellisari crafts forms like cones, spheres, and wheels that embody his belief in the unity of form and function. These objects aim to deliver natural, omnidirectional sound—so lifelike that the listener perceives the performance as if the musician were present. 

NACSOUND: A New Acoustic Concept

In 1996–1997, Francesco founded NACSOUND (New Acoustic Concept Sound)—a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of acoustic research, product design, and consulting. Under his leadership, NACSOUND has developed multiple international patents focused on omnidirectional, non-coherent sound transmission and advanced acoustic geometries, bridging artistic vision with technological innovation. 

His work at NACSOUND includes pioneering loudspeaker designs that challenge conventional front-facing systems by creating three-dimensional sound fields that interact holistically with architectural space. 

Collaborations and Recognition

Throughout his career, Pellisari has collaborated with prominent designers and creative thinkers, including Ron Arad and Ingo Maurer, fostering cross-disciplinary conversations between acoustics, light, and form. His mentor, celebrated acoustician Roy Allison, significantly influenced his approach to sound and perception. 

Pellisari’s work has been showcased internationally and featured in publications such as International Year Book, The Times, Wallpaper, Audio Review, Daily Telegraph, Church Building, Domus, and Casabella. 

Philosophy and Legacy

At the core of Pellisari’s work is a belief that sound should not merely be reproduced but felt and experienced. His concept of omnidirectional sound and acoustic sculpture treats the listener’s environment as an integral component of sound, dissolving the boundaries between object and space. 

“An audio sculpture for Francesco is an omnidirectional experience that transforms the space into the natural expression of music, involving all the senses: speaker and environment become one, and one could not exist without the other.” 

Today, Francesco Pellisari continues to lead NACSOUND’s research and consultancy, working with a team of professionals to develop holistic acoustic solutions that span architecture, design, and technological innovation.