Achille Castiglioni

Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) was an Italian industrial designer known for his innovative and functional designs. He was born in Milan and graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan with a degree in architecture in 1944. Castiglioni began his career working with his brothers, Livio and Pier Giacomo, in their family's design studio. After Livio left the studio in 1952, Achille and Pier Giacomo continued to work together until Pier Giacomo's death in 1968. Achille then continued to work on his own, creating some of his most famous designs.

Castiglioni's designs often combined practicality with a playful sense of humor. He was known for his ability to repurpose everyday objects and materials in unexpected ways. One of his most iconic designs is the Arco lamp, which he created with Pier Giacomo in 1962. The lamp features a long, curved arm that extends from a marble base, allowing it to provide overhead lighting without the need for ceiling installation. Another notable design is the Mezzadro stool, which features a tractor seat mounted on a bent steel rod.

Throughout his career, Castiglioni received numerous awards and honors, including nine Compasso d'Oro awards, one of the highest honors in the field of industrial design. His work is included in the collections of many major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Castiglioni also taught at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where he influenced a new generation of designers. He continued to work and teach until his death in 2002.