Anna Castelli Ferrieri

Anna Castelli Ferrieri was an Italian architect and industrial designer. She is most known for her influence in the use of plastics as a mainstream design material and her work with Kartell, an Italian contemporary furniture company. Ferrieri was born in Milan on August 6, 1918 and died[1] June 22, 2006 at age 87.

Education

Ferrieri studied at Milan Polytechnic Institute. She graduated with a degree in architecture in 1943.[1] She also worked closely with Franco Albini and admired his neo-rationalist ideals.[2]

Personal life

Anna Castelli Ferrieri married Giulio Castelli and the couple led the way in Italian modern design throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s.[3]

Work

Anna Castelli Ferrieri is most known for her use of alternative materials such as metal and polyurethane. Through her use of plastics, a fairly unused material at the time, she was able to create novel forms that were both elegant and functional.[3] One of her best known works is the Componibili. Componibilis are stacking module storage pieces. These units have been described as, "Flexible, functional and practical."[4] and as "instantly endearing and slightly futuristic elegance that suits any situation with ease."[5] Today, even after 40 years of production the Componibili is still one of Kartell's best selling furniture items.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Iovine, Julie. "Anna Castelli Ferrieri, 87, Force in Postwar Modern Italian Design, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  2. ↑ "Anna Castelli Ferrieri". smow Blog. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Anna Castelli Ferrieri". Design Within Reach. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  4. ↑ "Anna Castelli Ferrieri". Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  5. ↑ "The Componibili Collection From Kartell". Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  6. ↑ "Design Classics: The Componibili". Apartment Therapy. Retrieved 20 April 2014.