Franco Albini

Italy

Person

Designer

Franco Albini (1905–1977) studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano from 1924 to 1929 before working in the office of Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. From 1930 he ran his own practice in Milan, focusing on interior architecture, exhibition design, and furniture, and presented his work at several Milan Triennales during the 1930s. After 1945, he increasingly concentrated on architectural projects, including residential and administrative buildings, while continuing his work in design. From 1951 onward he collaborated closely with Franca Helg. His major works include the Pirovano youth hostel in Cervinia, museum installations in Genoa, the La Rinascente department store in Rome, and the design of the Milan Metro. Albini also taught in Venice and Milan and became one of the leading figures of Italian Rationalism.