Gio Ponti

Milan/Milan, 1891/1979
An architect, a designer and an artist, Gio Ponti (Milano 1891-1979) graduated in Milan in 1921 and initially entered into partnership with Emilio Lancia and Mino Fiocchi from 1927 to 1933. In 1927 he founded Il Labirinto with Lancia, Buzzi, Marelli, Venini and Chiesa in order to produce high-quality furniture and objects. From 1923 to 1930 he has been Richard Ginori’s artistic director. Thanks to the creation of Domus magazine in 1928 (which he presided over almost constantly until his death), Ponti made an intensive contribution to the renewal of the Italian production in the sector, giving it new impetus. Ponti has been a strong supporter of the Monza Biennale, then the Milan Triennale, of the Compasso d’Oro awards and of ADI (Association of Industrial Design). As an architect, he created the symbol of modern Milan, the Pirelli skyscraper, designed with Fornaroli, Rosselli and Nervi in 1956. In 1951, he realised the second Palazzo Montecatini (his first office building dates back to 1938-39). In 1957 he designed the super-celebrated Superleggera chair for Cassina, the crowning achievement of a long and fruitful working association. To his planning activities, he added educational activities, teaching at the Faculty of Architecture in Milan from 1936 to 1961.

The products of this designer

Leggera

Brand: Cassina

An icon of design and what has been dubbed MedaMade crafts mastery, the Leggera – its lines clean-cut refined, and versatile – adapts effortlessly to a variety of requirements and settings. It is now available in the normal version as well as in the one with armrests. A wood chair, par excellence, the Leggera marks one of the key points of the relationship, both in terms of design and production, which started in the 1950s between Gio Ponti, Cesare Cassina, and the Cassina company’s artisans. The experience and the crafts capabilities of Cassina’s carpenters were put to the test in addressing the challenge of lightening the chair frame – the ultimate outcome being the inimitable slimline Superleggera chair – concentrating on its essential lines while respecting its resistance and stability. The many combinations and contrasts in colour between the ashwood frame and the seat-cover keep the Leggera constantly up-to-date, as well as making it a perfect partner for any setting.

VAI

Superleggera

Brand: Cassina

Chair “Superleggera” available in the following versions: frame in natural ashwood or lacquer finish in the colour white or black with seat in India cane; frame in natural ashwood, white or black stained open pore ashwood with padded seat, fabric or leather upholstery; frame in bicolour white/black lacquered ashwood with padded seat, upholstered exclusively in white or black leather. This chair came to represent modernity in Italian design: with its new design standing as a model for Italy’s new industry. Superleggera was a “first” in terms of its design in that it stood for a moment of great transformation made possible by real collaboration between the designer and skilled manufacturers. The challenge was to reduce the triangular cross section to a bare minimum Ponti said: “ the more minimal the shape, the more expressive the shape becomes”.

VAI

Gio Ponti

The products of this designer

Leggera

Superleggera

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