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Dezza — Gio Ponti
Poltrona Frau
Architect, designer, and artist, Gio
Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated
in Milan in 1921 and worked in
partnership with Emilio Lancia and
Mino Fiocchi from 1927 to 1933. In
1927 he founded Labirinto with Lancia,
Buzzi, Marelli, Venini, and Chiesa,
to create high-end furniture and
objects. From 1923 to 1930 he was
the art director for Richard Ginori.
With the foundation of the Domus
magazine in 1928 (which, except for
brief interruptions, he directed until his
death), Ponti contributed extensively
to the renewal of Italian production in
the industry, giving it new impetus. He
played a leading role in supporting and
promoting the Monza Biennale, then
the Milan Triennale, the Compasso
d'Oro award, and the ADI (Industrial
Design Association). As an architect,
he created the symbol of modern
Milan, the Pirelli Tower, designed
with Fornaroli, Rosselli, and Nervi in
1956. In 1951, he designed the second
Palazzo Montecatini (his fi rst offi ce
building dates back to 1938-39). To
his planning activities, he added
educational activities, teaching at the
Faculty of Architecture in Milan from
1936 to 1961.
Gio Ponti
