Gae Aulenti & Piero Castiglioni

Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni stand as iconic figures in Italian design, each bringing a unique perspective to architecture and lighting design. Together, their collaboration produced some of the most celebrated lighting pieces of the 20th century, with works that continue to shape interiors worldwide. Aulenti, an architect and designer famed for her transformative work on the Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou, was known for her defiance of fleeting trends, choosing instead to create designs rooted in durability and individual expression. Her approach, inspired by architects like Le Corbusier, encouraged a blend of classic and avant-garde aesthetics, often using minimalism to make bold statements. Piero Castiglioni, on the other hand, made his mark as a leading lighting designer with a deep understanding of technical illumination, recognised for his meticulous, functional approach to lighting and his collaborations with renowned architects worldwide. His lighting project for the Musée d'Orsay remains a testament to his craft, merging historical sensitivity with contemporary functionality.

Their combined talents brought forth iconic lighting designs such as the Parola and Diamante collections, which are celebrated for their clarity of form and refined details. These collections exemplify the duo’s vision of lighting as both functional and atmospheric, with pieces that enhance the ambience of any space while standing as sculptural art. Aulenti and Castiglioni’s work is characterised by a deep respect for materials and the relationship between light, architecture, and the viewer’s experience. Together, their designs reflect a seamless integration of art, architecture, and industrial design, honouring Italy’s design heritage while pushing boundaries. For admirers of timeless, sophisticated lighting, Aulenti and Castiglioni’s pieces represent an enduring legacy in design innovation.