Oct

Design

Discover the legacy of Renowed Architect Mario Bellini

Mario Bellini is an incredible reference when it comes to talking about Italian Architecture at its finest. Winner of the Golden compass for eight times, not to mention the fact that 25 of his finest works are on display on the permanent design collection of the New York MoMA. Without a doubt, this architect has created a notorious legacy outside of Milan where he currently works. Milan Design Agenda is about to let you in on the amazing legacy that he created for Italy’s concepts of Architecture.

His career began from the moment he graduated from the Milan Polytechnic – Faculty of Architecture in 1959. From there, Mario Bellini began working solo as an architect in the 60s, having the honour of becoming a design director of La Rinascente. Shortly after he was hired in 1963 by Olivetti to re-design its office machines which turned out to be the turning point that he needed in his life and career.

The experience at Olivetti definitely helped Mario Bellini in satisfying what he called his “insatiable curiosity”. Not only did it allowed him the free rein but also the excitement of working with and discovering the techniques of engineers, modellers, and painters. Hos knowledge expanded with his discovery of industrial production in terms of his grounding in classical architecture.

These were some of the first steps which would make him into an important figure in the revitalization of Italian Design. Mario Bellini has designed countless art, design and architecture exhibitions over his career years, both in Italy and abroad. Among some of his most remarkable conceptions, we can point you to the Portello Trade Fair district in Milan, the new Milan Convention Centre (currently the largest in Europe), and other building throughout Europe and the Globe, including the Tokyo Design Centre in Japan, the Natuzzi America Headquarters in the United States, the Essen Expo Centre in Germany, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the headquarters of the Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, the Verona Forum complex, the City History Museum in Bologna, and the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris.

Mario Bellini is also behind the creation of some unique furniture pieces including the Amanta chair, the famous Cab chair with its removable leather covering (Cassina, 1976), a fibreglass frame supporting a foam cushion (C & B, 1966) and some office chairs for Vitra. He’s also had professional relationships with brands such as Fiat, Renault, Pirelli, Brionvega, Yamaha, and Artemide.