Achille Castiglioni was one of the most iconic Italian designers of the 20th century, and his legacy lives on through Flos, the lighting manufacturer that he founded with his brother Pier Giacomo in 1962.
Early Life and Career
Achille Castiglioni was born in Milan in 1918 and studied architecture at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano. He began his design career in the 1940s and established his own design practice in 1944.
In the 1950s, Castiglioni began collaborating with his brother Pier Giacomo, who was also an architect and designer. The duo would go on to create some of the most influential and iconic designs of the 20th century.
The Flos Years
In 1962, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni founded Flos, a lighting manufacturer that became synonymous with their inventive and playful designs.
One of Flos’s most iconic designs is the Arco lamp, which was designed by the Castiglioni brothers in 1962. The Arco lamp features a large, curved stainless steel arm that extends outwards from a marble base, allowing the user to position the light over a table or seating area without having to fix it to the ceiling.
Flos’s other notable designs include the Snoopy table lamp, which was designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1967. The Snoopy lamp features a playful, cartoonish design with a large, circular shade and a base that resembles the character’s feet.
Legacy
Achille Castiglioni passed away in 2002, but his influence on the design world continues to be felt today. His designs were characterized by their simplicity, playfulness, and ingenuity, and he was renowned for his ability to turn everyday objects into works of art.
Today, Flos continues to produce many of the Castiglioni brothers’ most iconic designs, ensuring that their legacy continues to live on.
Conclusion
Achille Castiglioni was a true genius of design, and his contributions to the field continue to inspire and delight designers and enthusiasts around the world. Flos’s commitment to preserving his legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of his work, and a reminder of the power of creativity and ingenuity to shape our world.
