Achille Castiglioni
Achille Castiglioni was a prominent Italian designer known for his innovative and influential contributions to the fields of lighting and furniture design. He gained widespread recognition not only in his home base of Milan but also on an international scale. One of the hallmarks of Castiglioni's design approach was his preference for the integral design process, which involved repurposing existing materials and objects to give them new life and form.
His career was significantly shaped by the collaborative influence of his older brothers, Livio Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (Livio left the trio early on), who initially worked together on exhibition design and architectural projects. As their partnership evolved, they delved into more substantial design endeavours, including the creation of various product series.
One of the well-known lighting products designed by the Castiglioni brothers was the Suspension Lamp Saliscendi for Stilnovo. Achille, in particular, created furniture designs for the Sancarlo series, which included a sofa and an armchair. Achille Castiglioni's exceptional works were recognized by numerous awards from prestigious institutions both in Italy and abroad. Some notable accolades include the Compasso d'Oro (Golden Compass) and Royal College of Art in London recognition. His significant contributions to design were also celebrated through important museum exhibitions, including those held at the Seoul Arts Centre, MoMa, and Triennale di Milano.
The legacy of Achille Castiglioni's creative approach to materials lives on through a selection of products bearing his name. His ability to repurpose and reimagine materials has left a lasting impact on the world of design.
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni was a talented and versatile designer who made significant contributions to various fields of design. He was involved in architecture, exhibition design, furniture, product, and lighting design. As an educator at Politecnico University of Milan, he not only shared his knowledge but also inspired many with his expertise.
Pier collaborated with his brothers Livio Castiglioni and Achille Castiglioni to support and complement each other. Their collaborative efforts exemplified the spirit of "Made in Italy," blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality and manufacturing techniques, leveraging the new materials and technologies developed during wartime.
The Castiglioni brothers' designs were marked by their ingenuity and creativity. Some of their famous works included the Sillaba wall lamps and the Minibox lamps for Stilnovo. They also served as design consultants for Brionvega. Together, they designed the revolutionary technological product, Radiofonografo. The brothers also worked on the Babela chair for Tacchini, and unique chairs and stools like Stella, Primate, and Mezzadro for Zanotto.
The impact of their designs is evident in their inclusion in the museum collections of prestigious institutions such as the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Pier Castiglioni's remarkable talent was recognized with several awards, including 5 Compasso d’Oro awards, 1 Triennale Bronze Medal, 2 Silver Medals, 2 Gold Medals, and 2 Triennale Grand Prix.
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni's legacy continues to be celebrated, and his work has left an indelible mark on the world of design.