Piero De Martini

This book introduces for the first time the work of Piero De Martini (1939), one of the key figures in Italian design in the last 30 years of the 20th century. It explores De Martini’s methods, based on the close dialogue between designers, artisans and art directors during the prototype development phase. De Martini’s notable career includes partnerships with legendary producers such as Cassina, for whom he designed the “La Barca” (1975) collection of domestic furniture, which – according to Patricia Urquiola – still represents a futuristic approach to furniture design.

Contents

Italian design during the changes of the 1970s
Massimo D’Alessandro

Expert in design, honoured with the Compasso d’Oro
Ugo Gregoretti

Piero De Martini and the pluralism of visions in the Cassina catalogue
Barbara Lehmann

A letter
Simonetta Lux

Architects–designers
Gianni Ottolini

PIERO DE MARTINI. A design experience 1970-2000 Laura Falconi

Introduction

Cassina: from artisanal production to the birth (and success) of industrial furnishing production in Italy

1980s, the endurance of small to medium-sized companies and De Martini’s new creations for Cassina

Nineties: Reasons for a change in focus, relationships with other companies