Carlo De Carli

Carlo De Carli (1910–1999) was a key figure in 20th-century Italian design and architecture, renowned both for his work and for his role as an educator. Trained at the Milan Polytechnic, he collaborated with Gio Ponti, a relationship that profoundly shaped his creative approach. De Carli developed an architecture centered on the concept of “Primary Space,” understanding each space as an ethical and human expression, beyond mere functionality. His buildings and furnishings reflect an essential aesthetic, free of ornamentation, where every form is designed to embrace life with beauty and respect.

In addition to his architectural work, his work as a furniture designer produced iconic pieces such as the "Golden Compass Chair" and the "Glass Centerpiece Table," still in production today. As a professor and theorist, he held Ponti's chair at the Milan Polytechnic and made significant contributions to critical thinking about design and architecture. His legacy lives on not only in his works but also in the ideas he passed on to generations of architects and designers.