ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI

Tracing the very route of Italian design cannot go without mentioning the several contributors - architects, artists and designers - that shaped and fuelled the factories of italian creativity over the last century. Our intention is to tell its story through the most emblematic images and objects that led and shaped that creative soil, laid the foundation of its milestones and generated the unique designs that are still so vivid in everyone's imagination.

This post is dedicated to Achille Castiglioni, whose best works are permanently displayed at the MoMA of NY and V&A Museum of London. He won such an impressive number of prizes, awards and honorary degrees that would be too long to list.
Between the Fifties and the Eighties Achille and his brother Pier Giacomo designed some of the most stunning projects and products of their age, the majority of which are still as modern and original as they were 50 years ago. Some of their most famous projects are below.

SELLA is a stool designed in 1957 and made up with a leather bike saddle and an emispherical iron base. Today is produced and sold by Zanotta
The forefather of modern recycling?

 ARCO floor lamp is one of the most appreciated yet copied lamps worldwide. The base of the lamp is a block of white marble weighting 65 kg. It is produced by FLOS

 TACCIA table lamp is another masterpiece. Designed in 1958 (seriously....can you believe it!) it is produced by FLOS since 1962. The light is reflected by a convex white surface placed at the top of a large glass paraboloid. By rotating the large glass dome on its pivoting base you can redirect the reflection of the light. 

 This is one of those few things that let me think "thank God I smoke". Beautiful SPIRALE ashtray, designed by Achille in 1971 and now produced by Alessi

VISCONTEA and TARAXACUM, both designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo in 1960 are ceiling lamps produced by Flos. Here the protuding inner structure becomes a distinctive sign.

There would be a lot more to say about Achille Castiglioni. Please visit the official website www.achillecastiglioni.it for detailed information on Achille's life, works and projects.