Gio Ponti
Gio Ponti (1891-1979) was one of the most important designers of the Twentieth century. Born in Milan, he graduated as an architect but instead of practising he became artistic director of Richard Ginori the famous pottery company. In 1928 he founded `Domus` established as Europe`s most important architecture and design magazine.He preached modern design and the ideas that it was not incompatible with tradition. In 1933 he organised the 5th trienale exhibition and also extended his work to preparing sets and costumes for `La Scala`He was awarded many design honours from Stockholm, London and Paris.In 1946 he started to design for Venini Murano glassware, after which he helped restore four cruise liners.His work in the 1950s became even more innovative.He then collaborated with Cassina and then Fornasetti on interiors and furniture design. Meanwhile throughout the 1920s to the 1970s he also worked on various important architectural projects, notably his obelisk inspired `Pirelli Tower` ,which in 1956 was one of the tallest buildings in Milan. He also designed four houses for his family and ten `Domuses` or apartment buildings.In 1964 he designed the interiors of the Hotel Parco dei Principe in Rome.
