‘I MAGNIFICI’ - 10 MOST ICONIC italian mid century FURNITURE DESIGNERS

"It always Starts with a Vision and few ideas: Unveiling the Timeless Legacy of Italian MID CENTURY furniture Designers and their Enduring Influence on Modern Aesthetics"

The 20th century witnessed the rise of exceptional Italian furniture designers who left an indelible mark on the world of design. Their innovative creations and visionary approach continue to inspire and influence the furniture industry to this day where their projects are often sold at high prices on the secondary market.

One such influential figure is Gio Ponti, often regarded as the father of modern Italian design. Ponti's designs seamlessly blended functionality with artistic expression, embodying the essence of mid-century modernism. His iconic works, characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and a harmonious balance of form and function, continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal.

Another luminary in Italian Mid Century design is Achille Castiglioni, renowned for his playful and imaginative approach. Castiglioni's designs showcased a clever use of materials and an ability to transform everyday objects into captivating works of art. His pieces, characterized by a sense of humor and unconventional design solutions, challenge traditional notions of functionality while remaining highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The visionary contributions of Ettore Sottsass cannot be overlooked. Sottsass, a founding member of the Memphis Group, revolutionized the design landscape with his bold use of color, patterns, and unconventional shapes. His designs embodied a postmodern sensibility, rejecting the minimalist aesthetic of the time in favor of vibrant, expressive compositions that pushed boundaries and ignited new creative directions.

Other influential Italian Mid Century Furniture designers, such as Carlo Mollino, Osvaldo Borsani, Gae Aulenti, Mario Bellini, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and Franco Albini, have also made significant contributions to the field. Each designer has a unique style and approach, yet they all share a common passion for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a desire to push the boundaries of design.

The enduring legacy of these influential Mid Century Italian furniture designers is evidenced by their iconic creations, which continue to be coveted by design enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Their innovative spirit, dedication to quality, and ability to create objects that transcend time make them true pioneers of Italian design. Read their stories and find their products through Designitalia.

Gio Ponti

PAOLO BUFFA

MARIO BELLINI

ADRIANO PIAZZESI

Franco Albini

OSVALDO BORSANI

MARIO CEROLI

ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI

Afra and Tobia scarpa

MARCO ZANUSO

CARLO SCARPA

GAE AULENTI

GIO PONTI

Gio Ponti was a highly influential and creative architect who had a career spanning 60 years in design, architecture, painting, and journalism. He was a professor of the Architecture department at Milan University from 1936 to 1961, and founded the renowned Italian design magazine "Domus". He was renowned for his timeless furniture designs such as the Superleggera chair for Cassina, and was a prominent figure in the Italian design and art scene, actively participating in and supporting exhibitions and awards contests such as Triennale Milano and ‘Compasso D’Oro’ design award.

In an interview in 1976, Ponti described his concept of the ‘ideal home’: a functional but minimalist space, flexible and open, with walls abandoned for open spaces, and the sensation of coercion annulled. Ponti wanted to materialize his ideas by designing residential or rental homes that utilized movable and divisible elements, at different heights, to create a fluid and open space that maximized the living space. He sought to create homes that were unique, eschewing the habit of designing homes with square rooms connected by corridors resulting in homes being all the same. To achieve this, he advocated for the avoidance of bulk furniture, and the use of hidden storage spaces, as well as minimal, delicate, and light furniture and objects that make us feel good. This was exemplified in his collaboration with Richard Ginori, where he designed refined furniture and decor objects. Ponti was a leader of the Mid Century era in architecture, furniture design, and accessories design. Some of the best Mid Century designs from Gio Ponti are the Superleggera chair by Cassina, Mid Century home accessories for Sabattini and Ginori, furniture for hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome, and many many other products.

franco albini

Franco Albini was an Italian architect and designer, born in Robbiate, a small town near the city of Como. After graduating from the Milan Polytechnic in 1929, Albini worked in the studio of Gio Ponti and opened his own studio in 1930. Throughout his career, Albini made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, industrial architecture, furniture, and museum design, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures of the Rationalist Movement.

In the 1940s, Albini began collaborating with the renowned furniture company Cassina, creating several iconic chairs and developing a signature style based on the knowledge he gained from working with skilled cabinet makers and craftsmen. His architectural projects included urban developments and museums, which earned him numerous awards and recognitions for his cultural contributions. He was awarded the Compasso D'Oro for the design of the Luisa Chair, as well as several architectural awards. Other significant Italian Mid Century designs are the Veliero Bookcase, the Fiorenza Armchair, the LB7 Bookcase so popular from the Mid Century Italian period, the PL19 Tre Pezzi armchairs by Poggi, the PS16 Rocking chair, and many others

Franco Albini's influence on the world of architecture and design is still felt today, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come

AFRA AND TOBIA SCARPA

Afra and Tobia Scarpa have been pushing the boundaries of design since the 1960s. Their works, ranging from furniture to clothing, have been featured in some of the most renowned museums around the globe, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and the Louvre. Their achievements are numerous, with the Soriana design winning them the prestigious Italian “Compasso D’Oro” and the International Forum Design Award. Tobia's father, Carlo Scarpa, was a renowned architect and designer of the Mid-Century Period, and the pair had the opportunity to work with the historic Venetian Murano glass company Venini, where Tobia later worked.

The Scarpas' major works include the Coronado Sofa for B&B Italia (1966), the Soriana Sofa for Cassina (1970), the “Bastiano” sofa for Gavina (1961), and the "Papillona" and "Pierrot" lamps for Flos in 1977 and 1990. The duo also ventured into fashion, working with the renowned fashion house Benetton. Their products have made a lasting impact on the history of Italian Design and continue to be highly sought after in the Mid Century market.

OSVALDO BORSANI

Osvaldo Borsani came from a family of furniture makers. At 22 years old he took part in the fifth Triennale of Milan designing concepts for the "Minimal House" and was awarded the Silver medal. The post-war era was crucial for this young talent and after graduating from Polytechnic he was influenced by many relevant artists of that time, including Lucio Fontana, Fausto Melotti, and Arnaldo Pomodoro with whom he collaborated for different projects. In 1953 he founded Tecno where he put emphasis on designs of Industrial products.

MARCO ZANUSO

Marco Zanuso is a renowned Italian designer widely considered to be one of the founding fathers of Italian Industrial Design, a revolution that drastically changed the way Italians lived and perceived everyday objects in the 1950s and 1960s. He was born in Milan in 1916 and studied architecture in his hometown before opening his own office. He received the Milan Triennale Gold Medal and collaborated with Architect Richard Sapper through a joint studio. Working alongside great architects and designers from the BBPR offices such as Franco Albini, Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni, and Marcello Nizzoli, he made a significant contribution to the development of the modern movement in the architecture and design field. He was one of the first architects to explore the use of industrial materials in designing objects that were created for mass consumption and everyday use. Additionally, he was the director of Domus magazine and Casabella, and a founding member of the ADI. In 1948, Pirelli created Arflex, a manufacturer to produce seating furniture made from foam rubber and industrial materials applied to home furniture, and appointed Zanuso responsible for its design. His outstanding work earned him many awards, such as 7 Compasso d’Oro awards, and his products are now exhibited in modern art museums all over the world. From 1966 to 1969, he was a cofounder and president of the "Associazione di Disegno Industriale ADI" and later went on to become a professor of Industrial Architecture at the Milan Polytechnic.

MARIO CEROLI

Not too long after graduating from the 'Accademia delle belle Arti' (Art Academy) in Rome, Mario Ceroli became one of the premiere leaders of the 'Arte Povera’ (Poor Art) movement which was characterized by the use of untreated and coarse materials as its leaders expressed a new openness towards materials and were driven by the pop art movement. In his collaboration with Poltronova - 'Mobili nella Valle'- the material that Ceroli chose was untreated Russian Pine. To quote Ceroli - “in my furniture, there is a kind of relationship….the use of raw wood contributes to creating this relationship…furniture to me is usable sculpture to be touched, to be used.” Strongly influenced by his background as a screenplay designer - after all he was a screenplay director at 'La Scala' in Milan as well as il 'Teatro Stabile' in Turin- in its design, Ceroli’s furniture tends to explore the relationship between sculpture and the surrounding environment. In his craftsmanship Ceroli relates to the traditional medieval craftsmen and his sculptures remind us of masterpieces of the past - including the ‘Bocca Della Verita’, a first-century fountain in Rome representing a Pagan God, the ‘Bronzi di Riace’ (the two tall, bronze statues from Calabria that have reached almost mythical proportions) as well as works by Leonardo Da Vinci

PAOLO BUFFA

Paolo Buffa was born into a well-established artistic family and was considered a prodigy early on. After graduating from the prestigious polytechnic university of Milan, in the late 1920s Buffa went to work for, and directly under, the tutelage of architects and designers Gio Ponti and Cassio Ramelli. Shortly after, Buffa decided to strike out on his own where he branded himself as the designer and architect to a number of influential patrons- typically the European worthy and royalty set as well as a number of government projects. Early in his career, his works were characterized by the classical-revival mode design of that era coupled with incredible craftsmanship derived from the traditional Lombardy woodworking traditions. As he evolved as a designer, while maintaining the same level of craftsmanship, Buffa started incorporating more modern elements in his designs. This finally culminated in the fifties as his pieces were recognizable by their whimsical and breathtaking shapes and elements. Like his namesake (Buffa is synonymous with bizarre/funny) his pieces can have a quasi-cartoonish character. Eventually, Buffa established himself as one of the founders and forefathers of the 1950s modernism movement as well as a pioneer in Art Deco. It was a far cry from where Buffa had started out. His pieces are and will always be original and iconic and he has plenty of knowledgeable admirers that would testify to that. Although his exceptional furnishings still sell at a quarter of the price of his French counterparts we think his time has come and his pieces will only gain traction from here setting high record market prices for Italian Mid Century design artisanal pieces such as consoles and buffets.

MARIO BELLINI

Renowned architect Mario Bellini boasts an impressive track record, having garnered 8 Compasso D'Oro awards and securing a remarkable 25 of his designs in the esteemed permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Throughout his illustrious career, he collaborated with the most influential Italian furniture companies, leaving an indelible mark on the design industry and today’s market of Italian Mid Century Iconic design pieces. Notably, Bellini held the esteemed position of editor at Domus, a prominent design magazine, from 1985 to 1991. This role allowed him to shape and influence the discourse surrounding design, cementing his status as a visionary in the field. However, Bellini's creativity extended beyond publishing, as he dedicated his focus to architecture, embarking on a series of extraordinary projects. From the awe-inspiring Islamic Art Center at the Louvre to the cutting-edge Tokyo Design Center in Japan, and the prestigious National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Bellini's architectural prowess is evident in both domestic and international projects. His ability to seamlessly blend cultural influences, innovation, and functionality is a testament to his unmatched talent. While Bellini's architectural achievements are widely celebrated, his furniture designs have also enjoyed immense success. Collaborating with renowned brands such as Cassina and B&B Italia, Bellini crafted remarkable pieces that have become icons of design. His furniture designs embody a perfect synthesis of form, function, and aesthetic appeal, captivating discerning enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Mario Bellini's exceptional contributions to architecture and design continue to shape the industry, leaving an enduring legacy. From his award-winning designs to his editorial influence and architectural masterpieces, Bellini's impact resonates across the globe, inspiring generations to come.

CARLO SCARPA

Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) was an influential Italian architect and designer known for his exceptional attention to detail and innovative approach to design. Scarpa's work is characterized by a fusion of modernist principles with traditional craftsmanship, creating a unique and timeless aesthetic. Scarpa's designs spanned various disciplines, including architecture, interior design, and product design. A native of Venice, he embarked on a creative journey that was shaped by his early years in Vicenza. Following the tragic loss of his mother in 1919, Scarpa's family returned to Venice. It was in this vibrant city that he discovered his passion for architecture and pursued his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

In a fascinating twist of fate, Scarpa's path led him to the Venini Glassworks, where he served as director from 1932 to 1947. This pivotal role not only showcased his visionary leadership but also unveiled his profound appreciation for craftsmanship. Immersed in the world of glassblowing, Scarpa would often toil alongside the skilled artisans of Venini, tirelessly refining and perfecting his daring designs, even as the night grew late.

It was within the fiery glow of the glass furnaces that Scarpa's creative genius blossomed, intertwining his architectural sensibilities with the delicate artistry of glassmaking. This dynamic collaboration would become a cornerstone of his distinctive style, setting the stage for his future endeavors and cementing his legacy as a master of both form and function. It was his idea in 1925 to simplifying design by juxtaposing a tronco-conic base as a support of a spherical shapes. This unique concept showcased his ability to distill complex forms into elemental structures

One of Scarpa's notable architectural achievements is the renovation of the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, Italy. He transformed the medieval fortress into a contemporary art museum while preserving its historical character. Scarpa's careful integration of new architectural elements with existing structures and his meticulous attention to spatial relationships and materials made the renovation a masterpiece of modern design. Other notable architectural projects include the Olivetti Store and the Tomba Brion

Carlo Scarpa's designs continue to inspire and influence contemporary architects and designers. His emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and integration of traditional and modern elements create spaces and objects that are both visually striking and functional. Scarpa's legacy is a testament to his mastery of design and his ability to create enduring works of art.

ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI

Born on February 16, 1918, in Milan, Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) left an indelible mark on the world of Italian design. Renowned for his witty, joyful, and functional creations in furniture, lighting, and product design, Castiglioni's work often ventured into the realms explored by conceptual artists, adding an intriguing layer of depth to his creations.

Castiglioni hailed from a family deeply immersed in artistic appreciation. As the third son of renowned sculptor and coin engraver Giannino Castiglioni and his wife Livia Bolla, Achille grew up surrounded by creativity. Initially, he pursued a classical education at the Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini but soon shifted gears, following his passion for art and enrolling at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan.

In 1937, drawn by the architectural pursuits of his elder brothers, Livio and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Achille decided to embark on a similar path. He joined the Faculty of Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1944. However, his studies were briefly interrupted by World War II, during which he served in Greece and Sicily, gaining invaluable experiences that would shape his future creations.

Immediately after graduating, Achille Castiglioni found himself in the fortunate position of joining his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo at the design studio they had established in Milan back in 1937, alongside their classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni. The studio's focus on exhibitions, furniture, housewares, and appliances, rather than architectural commissions, proved advantageous given the challenging circumstances of the war. This emphasis on product design and the strong fraternal bond between the three Castiglioni brothers allowed Achille to experiment early in his career with emerging techniques and novel materials, forging a fresh aesthetic sensibility tailor-made for the optimistic post-war European market.

Achille Castiglioni's journey as a designer would be a testament to his ability to seamlessly blend art and functionality. With his whimsical and intelligent designs, he left an enduring legacy that inspires contemporary designers and captivates enthusiasts worldwide, some of his Mid Century Designs have been re-editioned and are still in production today.

ADRIANO PIAZZESI

Adriano Piazzesi (1923-2009) was an architect from Florence, Italy. He attended the faculty of Architecture in Florence where he discovered the concepts of Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1950s and 1960s he collaborated with other architects on building designs and exhibition stands as well as family residences in Florence. In 1962 together with Enrico Cambi and Luciano E. Nustrini he designed ‘Antiques Exhibition in the modern House’ and a year later he designed a lamp for Artemide-Domus competition. In the 1970s Piazzesi began his adventure as a designer and one of his first designs was the Premier armchair (1969) which was a chair made without a metal or wooden structure hold together by a large leather belt. From this project which was extremely successful the furniture company TreD was born and it will produce furniture designs for over 40 years. The production included the Okay Sofa and chairs, the Splash and Spring armchairs all considered some of the most interesting between the Italian Mid Century Design production.

GAE AULENTI

Gae Aulenti. Aulenti, born in 1927 and passing away in 2012, left an indelible mark on the world of design. Her multifaceted talents spanned various disciplines, including furniture design, graphic design, stage design, lighting design, exhibition design, and interior design. Notably, she was one of the few women architects and designers to gain prominence during Italy’s post-war period. Among her most celebrated projects, the transformation of the historic Musée d’Orsay in Paris stands out. Collaborating with others, she turned the former railway station into a renowned museum housing an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Additionally, Aulenti played a pivotal role in designing the gallery space within the iconic Centre Pompidou, emphasizing both functionality and creativity. Her restoration of Palazzo Grassi in Venice transformed the Venetian palace into a cultural hub for art exhibitions and events. Beyond Europe, she contributed to the design of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, showcasing Asian art and culture. Aulenti’s visionary work continues to inspire designers and architects worldwide, bridging imagination and practicality. Regarding furniture designs, her chairs and sofas feature low-slung designs with rounded enameled metal frames, emphasizing solidity and sturdiness. Notable pieces include the Stringa sofa (1963) and other furnishings she used to decorate her own home. Her Jumbo coffee table (1972) for Knoll stands out, boasting a marble top and sculptural presence. However, it’s her lighting designs that truly captivate. As the artistic director of Fontana Arte in 1979, she revitalized the company by focusing on glassmaking and collaborating with renowned Italian designers like Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Pierlugi Cerri.