DESIGNER’s STORY
Vico Magistretti was born in 1920, in Milan. After taking his architecture degree in 1945, he immediately joined his father Piergiulio’s firm. During the war, he met both Gio Ponti, at the Regio Politecnico, and Ernesto N. Rogers in Switzerland. In the post-war period he was actively involved in the reconstruction, both on the theoretical side through the MSA (Movement for Architectural Studies), of which he was one of the founders, and on the practical side with projects for INA-Casa and QT8. He also actively participated in the Milan Triennial Exhibitions, as supervisor of various sections, as well as winning a gold medal in the 9th edition of 1951, and the Grand Prize (Granpremio) in the 10th edition of 1954. Among his most important architectural work in Milan during this period we can cite the Torre al Parco (1953-56), the Corso Europa office building (1955-57) and the Piazzale Aquilea building (1962-64). There followed a number of villas, including Arosio house in Arenzano (1958), Schubert villa in Ello (1960), Bassetti house in Azzate (1960) and Gardella house in Arenzano (1953). Finally, the apartment building at Piazza San Marco in Milan dates back to 1969-1971. His more recent work includes: the Milan Faculty of Biology (1978-81), Tanimoto house in Tokyo (1985) and the Famagosta Bus Depot in Milan (1989). A prolific designer, he won the price ”Compasso d’Oro” in 1967 for the Artemide Eclisse lamp, in 1979 for the Oluce Atollo lamp and for the Cassina Maralunga sofa. He also produced designs for De Padova, Fritz Hansen, Campeggi, Fontana Arte, Fredericia and Kartell. Since 1967 he has been a member of the San Luca Academy and the London Royal College of Art, where he was also visiting professor.
He died in Milan on 19 September, 2006.
READ MORE BRAND DESIGNER’s STORIES
Timeless elegance and discreet shape are the words that best define Piero Lissoni’s style. His work is characterized by a personal language, that hides a simplified complexity. Lissoni’s architecture and design projects, seemingly minimal, are the result of a thorough research of both new technologies and materials.
After graduating in 1973 she worked as an Art Director at CentroKappa (1975-1979): planning and development of the image, sales instruments, sales outlets, exhibitions and special initiatives. During this period she collaborated with Alessandro Mendini at “MODO” magazine.
Born in 1962 in Lokeren, Belgium. As soon as he was qualified as an architect in 1985, he started work in Milan collaboratine with Cinzia Ruggeri and with studio Aldo Cibic-Sottsass Associati. In 1990 he established his own architects’ studio in Antwerp.
George Yabu is one of the founding partners at Yabu Pushelberg and oversees the creation and development of all design components for each project and product within its multidisciplinary practice. In his conceptual leadership and creative direction role, George reviews and refines the details of each project and product in collaboration with the design teams.
Giuseppe Bavuso is an architect and designer who lives and works in Seregno, located in the North of Milan. His projects are characterized by the combination of minimalistic rigour and accurate technical research thanks to the use of technological and innovative materials.
M.A. Lenka Damová 1983 has been living and working in Prague. Successfuly graduated at AAAD in Prague, concretely Department of Design in Zlín. Now has been occurring as a freelance designer, dedicated mainly to interior and product design.
