Franco Albini

Franco Albini was born in October 1905 in Robbiate, Italy. Albini became an architect and designer after studying at the world-famous Politecnico in Milan. He acquired his degree in architecture at the University in 1929 before working as an apprentice for Gio Ponti. During this time, Albini had the opportunity to meet notable figures in architecture, including critic, essayist, and designer Edoardo Persico, who persuaded him to turn toward Rationalist architecture. In 1931, Franco Albini founded his first studio with architects Renato Camus and Giancarlo Palanti, dealing with social housing and experimental design studies.

One of Albini's greatest achievements was designing the Margherita and Gala chairs, which were solely made of woven canes in the 1950s. Albini had designed everything from small home furniture to large subway stations. Throughout his career, Franco Albini was awarded numerous notable awards, including three Compasso d’Oro Awards. He was also awarded the il premio Olivetti per l’Architettura award in 1957.

“It is more through our work than through ourselves that we disseminate ideas.” - Franco Albini