Achille Castiglioni( 1918–2002）

Legendary Italian architect and industrial designer, a leading figure of modernism. Born in Milan, he earned his architecture degree from Politecnico di Milano in 1944. He co‑founded a design studio with his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo, focusing on architecture, furniture, lighting and everyday objects. In 1956, they co‑founded ADI (Associazione Disegno Industriale), the Italian Industrial Design Association.

His design philosophy emphasizes minimalism, function and innovative materials, reimagining ordinary objects with sculptural quality and wit. Iconic works include the Arco Floor Lamp (1962), Mezzadro stool and Sella chair. He received multiple Compasso d’Oro awards, and his works are in permanent collections at MoMA New York, Centre Pompidou Paris, etc.

Pier Giacomo Castiglioni（1913–1968）

Renowned Italian architect and industrial designer, elder brother of Achille. Born in Milan, he graduated in architecture from Politecnico di Milano in 1937. In 1938, he founded a studio with Livio; Achille joined in 1944. Together, they pioneered the integration of form, technology and materials, shaping post‑war Italian design.

His collaboration with Achille was described as “two bodies, one mind”. Their timeless classics include the Arco Floor Lamp, Taccia Table Lamp and Lumina Pendant—rational, restrained, yet artistically powerful and industrially practical. He taught at Politecnico di Milano and passed away in Milan in 1968.