The Creative Power of Design Principles - with Giovanna Castiglioni

Your host: Marc Müskens
20 maart 2024

A Legacy of Design: Celebrating Achille Castiglioni through Giovanna Castiglioni’s Eyes

The Timeless Principles of Design as Told by Giovanna Castiglioni

In this special tribute, we explore the legacy of Achille Castiglioni, a titan of product design whose creations have become landmarks in the design world, through the insights of his daughter, Giovanna Castiglioni. While Achille’s name might be unfamiliar to some, his works, like the Arco Lamp, the Sella stool, and the playful Mezzadro stool, are recognized and revered globally for their innovation and timeless appeal.

"Gli oggetti devono fare compagnia"

- Achille Castiglioni (translation: Objects must keep you company)

Achille Castiglioni and his famous Arco lamp

Giovanna, armed with a profound understanding of her father’s design principles and her own background in geology, offers a unique lens through which to view these iconic designs. She delves into the philosophy that guided Achille’s creative process, highlighting his belief in the power of observation, the beauty of simplicity, and the importance of functionality.

Through detailed anecdotes and personal reflections, Giovanna illuminates how Achille’s designs were not mere objects but manifestations of a broader vision that sought to blend utility with beauty, always with a forward-looking approach. This blog post is an invitation to designers and creatives of all stripes to draw inspiration from Achille Castiglioni’s principles, applying them to create works that resonate with clarity, purpose, and beauty.

More information on Achille Castiglioni

You can find more info on the website of the Castiglioni Foundation, where you can also support keeping the legacy alive!


Listen to the Beyond Interior Design Podcast with the daughter of the designer of the famous Arco Lamp:

Or watch the recording of the LIVE Beyond Interior Design Podcast:



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