Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Brionvega Art Products Stories
Achille (1918-2002) and Pier Giacomo (1913-1968), sons of the renowned Giannino Castiglioni, who was active in Milan in the early twentieth century with his own Sculptor’s Workshop in Porta Nuova, both graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan – Pier Giacomo in 1937 and Achille in 1944 – pursued their own passions independently. The collaboration between the two brothers began in 1945, and from the outset, design, urban planning, and architecture represented the interests of a varied and intense professional activity.
In 1956, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were among the founders of ADI Design, the Association for Industrial Design. Additionally, they dedicated a significant part of their careers to teaching. Throughout their lives, they explored forms, techniques, and materials, giving rise to revolutionary projects, realized thanks to enlightened companies capable of combining culture, production, and communication. They received numerous awards worldwide, including nine Compasso d’Oro awards. Many of their works are present in museum collections worldwide.
Achille and Pier Giacomo collaborated with numerous companies, both Italian and foreign, becoming a symbol of excellence in his field of activity. Among the companies they collaborated with are: Aerotecnica Italiana, Alessi, B&B Italia, Cimbali, Danese, Driade, De Padova, Flos, Fusital, Cassina, Ideal Standard, Italtel, Lancia Auto, Marcatrè, Moroso, Olivetti, Omsa, Phonola Radio, Perani Fonderie, San Giorgio Elettrodomestici, Teorema, Knoll International, Kartell, Up & Up, VLM, and Zanotta.
Technical drawings BRIONVEGA (1967)
When they dedicated themselves to the conception of the radiofonografo for Brionvega, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni kept in mind their innovative conception that objects should provide companionship. A concept that goes beyond technique and aesthetics, transforming the product into an object rich in values and content. From this arose the idea of a product with anthropomorphic form, playful design to which one becomes attached. The two designers wanted to confer upon the object-friend characteristics of mobility and versatility, thus allowing it to adapt to the user’s needs and thereby establish a special relationship with the user.
