Designer Page Test 2

ALBERTO ROSSELLI

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Alberto Rosselli was born in Palermo, Italy, on June 23, 1921. He initially pursued engineering studies at the Politecnico di Milano, but his academic journey was disrupted by the outbreak of World War II. During the war, he was interned in Switzerland, where he met Ernesto Nathan Rogers, a prominent architect and critic. This encounter sparked his interest in architecture and design. After the war, he returned to Italy and obtained a degree in architecture in 1947.

CAREER AND COLLABORATIONS

Rosselli’s career took off in the 1950s, a period of great transformation in post-war Italy. He became deeply involved in the modernist movement, seeking to redefine architecture and industrial design. In 1952, he co-founded the architectural firm Studio Ponti-Fornaroli-Rosselli (PFR) with the legendary Gio Ponti and engineer Antonio Fornaroli. Their collaboration resulted in some of the most iconic architectural works of the era, including the Pirelli Tower in Milan (1956-1960), a landmark of modern Italian architecture.A crucial aspect of Rosselli’s work was his dedication to bridging the gap between design, engineering, and industry. He was an advocate for functional design that seamlessly combined aesthetics and technology.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN & INNOVATION

In addition to architecture, Rosselli made groundbreaking contributions to industrial design.In 1954, he founded Stile Industria, an influential design magazine that promoted the relationship between industrial production and creative design. Through this platform, he shaped discussions on design methodology and encouraged innovation in materials and manufacturing.Rosselli was also a founding member of the Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (ADI) in 1956 and became its first president. He was instrumental in defining industrial design as an essential component of Italy’s economic and cultural identity.
Throughout his career, he worked with major companies such as Cassina, Kartell, Montecatini, Rima, and Saporiti, designing furniture, vehicles, and other industrial products. One of his most famous creations was the Jumbo chair (1969), a futuristic armchair made from fiberglass resin, showcasing his innovative approach to form and materials.

TEACHING AND LATER YEARS

In 1963, Rosselli became a professor at the Politecnico di Milano, where he taught Industrial Design. He introduced a systematic, research-based approach to design education, emphasizing design as a decision-making process rather than just an artistic endeavor. His teaching influenced generations of architects and designers.
During the 1970s, he focused on experimental projects, including the concept of mobile housing and modular architecture. His work was featured in the MoMA exhibition "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" (1972) in New York. He also designed vehicles, including the Meteor luxury bus (1968-1970) for Fiat-Orlandi, integrating aerodynamics with comfort.

LEGACY

Alberto Rosselli passed away on July 10, 1976, in Milan. His impact on architecture, design, and education continues to inspire designers worldwide. His work represents the fusion of technological progress and artistic vision, and his commitment to industrial design helped shape Italy’s global reputation as a leader in the field.
From elegant skyscrapers to groundbreaking furniture and transport design, Rosselli’s work remains a testament to the power of creativity and innovation.