Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Pier Giacomo Castiglioni was born in Milan in 1913. He studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano and graduated in 1937. In 1944, he would design the university’s official signet. After graduation, he established an architectural practice with his brother Livio. Youngest brother Achille joined in 1944. The practice focused predominantly on exhibition and product design as well as a number of architectural projects. The three brothers worked together until Livio left the practice in 1952. Pier Giacomo and Achille would collaborate for the rest of Pier Giacomo’s life and were internationally recognised as pioneers of Italian design. Dino Gavina, founder of Flos, described Pier Giacomo as one of the ten best designers in the world. Pier Giacomo was extremely proactive. He was Professor in Drawing and Relief Work at the Faculty of Architecture of the Politecnico di Milano. Founding member of the Movement for Architectural Studies (MSA – Movimenti Studi Architetti) in 1954 and of the ADI (Association for Industrial Design) along with brother Achille in 1956 and member of the Board at the Association of Architects and at the Milan City Council Building Commission. He was also a member of the executive committee for the 13th Triennale in 1964. He was a member of numerous juries and was also particularly active as the curator of exhibition installations. He exhibited at every Milan Triennale from 1940 onwards and won numerous prizes including five Compasso d’Oro awards. His work is displayed in leading museums around the world.

Pier Giacomo Castiglioni died in 1968.