Luigi Caccia Dominioni

BIOGRAPHY

Luigi Caccia Dominioni (1913-2016) was a prominent Italian designer, architect, and urban planner in the post-World War II era. He is recognized as one of the key innovators in Italian design and a skilled interpreter of Milanese and Lombard traditions. After completing his studies at Milan Polytechnic University in 1936, Caccia Dominioni founded a studio with the Castiglioni brothers in the Porta Nuova district. His early professional work focused on interior architecture, design, industrial design, competitions, and outfitting. His pioneering work in industrial design was highlighted at the 7th Triennale in Milan with a series of radio units he created alongside the Castiglioni brothers.

In 1947, Luigi Caccia Dominioni co-founded Azucena with Ignazio Gardella and Corrado Corradi Dell’Acqua, and the company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality and innovative designs. In the 1950s, Azucena collaborated with several notable designers, including Franco Albini, Gino Sarfatti, and Carlo Mollino, to create various furniture pieces that became iconic of the era.

He was an influential figure for contemporary designers, and during his career, he explored the connection between modernity and tradition. His efforts significantly contributed to redesigning Milan’s architecture after World War II. Caccia Dominioni is most well-known for his work on the apartment buildings located on Via Ippolito N, the San Felice district, and the redevelopment of Piazza San Babila. He gained recognition as a designer for creating the Catilina armchair in 1957. He received prestigious awards, such as the Compasso d’Oro, for his noteworthy projects, including the Sedia T12 Palini and the Super door. Additionally, he was also awarded the Compasso d’Oro for his career and his significant contribution to the definition of Italian design and its originality.