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Gaetano Pesce, visionary Italian architect and designer, dies at 84

other · 2026-04-24

Gaetano Pesce, the renowned Italian architect and designer, has passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his studio on Instagram. Celebrated for his surrealist creations, Pesce studied at the University of Venice under the guidance of Carlo Scarpa and Ernesto Rogers. He was part of Gruppo N from 1958 to 1963. Among his distinguished works are the Organic Building in Osaka, a nine-story edifice featuring a computer-controlled irrigation system for nurturing plants, and the La Mamma armchair, which symbolizes fertility and includes a spherical ottoman.

Key facts

  • Gaetano Pesce died aged 84.
  • His studio announced the death on Instagram.
  • He was born in La Spezia in 1939.
  • He studied architecture at the University of Venice.
  • His teachers included Carlo Scarpa and Ernesto Rogers.
  • He was associated with Gruppo N from 1958 to 1963.
  • He designed the Organic Building in Osaka.
  • He created the La Mamma armchair.

Entities

Artists

  • Gaetano Pesce
  • Carlo Scarpa
  • Ernesto Rogers

Institutions

  • University of Venice
  • Gruppo N

Locations

  • La Spezia
  • Italy
  • Osaka
  • Japan

Sources