Michele De Lucchi: The Embodiment of Italian Architecture and Design
Michele De Lucchi stands out as a significant personality in the realms of Italian architecture and design, often overlooked as just a designer. He represents Italian aesthetics through his 'High Touch' philosophy, crafting works that are both ecologically sound and contextually relevant. His professional journey merges a radical avant-garde history—collaborating with Adolfo Natalini, Ettore Sottsass, and co-founding the Memphis Group—with projects for major corporations like Poste Italiane and Banca Intesa. The renowned Tolomeo lamp, made by Artemide, showcases his idea of 'complex simplicity.' In 1990, De Lucchi established Produzione Privata to advocate for artisanal creations. He considers 'High Touch' as Italy's unique advantage and regards Gandhi as his inspiration. This piece is part of Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi's 'Architetti d’Italia' series featured on Artribune.
Key facts
- Michele De Lucchi is often dismissed as a designer by fellow architects.
- He worked with Adolfo Natalini, collaborated with Ettore Sottsass, and co-founded Memphis Group.
- De Lucchi designed the Tolomeo lamp, produced by Artemide in millions of copies.
- The Tolomeo lamp has been in production for over thirty years.
- He founded Produzione Privata in 1990 for craft-based production without clients.
- De Lucchi advocates 'High Touch' as Italy's competitive advantage.
- He cites Gandhi as his hero.
- The article is written by Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Michele De Lucchi
- Renzo Piano
- Massimiliano Fuksas
- Antonio Citterio
- Mario Bellini
- Richard Sapper
- Adolfo Natalini
- Ettore Sottsass
- Edoardo Persico
- Brunello Cucinelli
- Benedetta Bruzziches
- Gandhi
- Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi
Institutions
- Artemide
- Poste Italiane
- Banca Intesa
- Produzione Privata
- Memphis Group
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Black Forest