The milanese designer Gio Ponti (1891-1979) is one of the most influential designers of the mid-20th century. Having graduated university right after the WWI, he played a major role in the renewal of the interwar years design. He became the director of the Biennale organised in Monza in 1925, only four years after graduation. At the beginning of his career, he started a seven year partnership with architect Emilio Lancia at Studio Ponti e Lancia PL. During this time he was influenced by the neo-classical Novecento Italiano artistic movement. In 1928, he established the Domus magazine dedicated to architecture, art and design. This publication became essential in the architecture and design field. Ponti directed Domus until his death in 1979. Thereafter, well-known designer such as Alessandro Mendini and Stefano Boeri took in charge the magazine which is still being published nowadays. In addition to his architectural activity, Gio Ponti also designed furniture, lighting and even ceramic or glass objects for different companies (Lumi, Arredoluce …). The chair Superleggera or the table lamp Bilia became a reference of italian design. In 1956 he won the commission to design the Pirelli tower in Milano, one of his greatest achievements. He pursued a worldwide architectural activity with projects such as the Denver Art Museum in the United States (1971), and inspired new generations of designers.

Gio Ponti instigated the Compasso d’Oro prize, one of the most important prizes in design, in 1954 and was honored himself with several prizes, such as the Art Prize from The Accademia d’Italia and a gold medal from the Paris Academie d’Architecture.