Joe Colombo: The Beginnings

Born in Milan in 1930, Joe Colombo quickly established himself as a pioneering figure in the transformation of Italian art and industry during the mid-20th century. His curiosity for technology and futurism led him to the design world, where he could explore his creative abilities and enthusiasm.

Colombo’s early education at the Academy of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Architecture shaped his artistic perception. He became a part of the Nuclear Art movement, creating avant-garde paintings and sculptures that broke free from traditional boundaries. Free and anthropomorphic forms, solid volumes, and perforated surfaces characterized his works. These elements would later serve as the aesthetic foundation for his future designs.

In addition to creating art, Colombo also displayed a knack for designing innovative spaces and television kiosks. Despite distancing himself from these early works later in his career, they laid the groundwork for his future achievements in design.

Joe Colombo: Transitioning to Architecture and Interior Design

In 1956, Colombo completed his first significant architectural project, a condominium in Milan. However, the passing of his father, Giuseppe, in 1959 marked a turning point in his career. He took over his father’s electrical equipment company, merging his love for art with industry.

In 1961, Colombo opened his first studio in Milan, focusing on architecture and interior design. His innovative solutions were a testament to his creative genius. Often designing mountain refuges and hotels, inspired by his passion for skiing, his designs for the interiors of the Pontinental hotel in Sardinia earned him the IN-Arch prize in 1964. The internally illuminated ceiling adorned with perspex prisms was a striking example of his innovative use of new plastic materials.

Joe Colombo Design: Revolutionizing Furniture

Colombo’s collaboration with his brother Gianni resulted in the creation of the Acrilica lamp in 1962. This was a classic example of how Colombo’s passion for architecture and sculpture influenced his furniture design. He began designing furniture elements possible to reproduce in multiple copies, which evolved into playful games of volumes and colors over time.

Colombo believed that spaces should adapt to changing habits and times. He envisioned dynamic spaces instead of static ones, incorporating what he called the fourth dimension: time. This concept intrigued him, and he explored it further in his lectures and writings.

Colombo divulged his vision of linking interiors to the discourse in an interview. He imagined habitats as transformable entities, adjusting to the current needs of the inhabitants. This allowed for a smaller overall volume that felt larger to live in.

To achieve this, Colombo emphasized the need for practical and dynamic furniture that prioritized functionality, transformation, and mobility. He advocated abandoning the symbolism of traditional furniture. He also stressed the importance of studying objects for mass production, simplifying the design process, and considering the choice of materials. For Colombo, stylism took a backseat to functional aspects of creativity.

Joe Colombo’s Vision for Shop and Booth Setups

Joe Colombo’s innovative concepts extended to the spaces where his furniture designs were showcased – the shops and exhibition booths. He treated these public spaces as dynamic entities, requiring the same adaptability he advocated in his furniture designs. His work for exhibitions like Eurodomus and Salone del Mobile exemplified this approach. The stands he designed went beyond static displays; they were dynamic environments that engaged visitors and conveyed the visionary concept behind the products.

Colombo’s design for the Stilnovo lamp stand manifested his evolving ideas. The stand embraced modularity, allowing flexibility and adaptation to different settings and products. This concept was further explored in the Hoechst stand at the Düsseldorf plastics fair. Colombo fashioned a display machine resembling a pinball machine, skillfully guiding visitors and offering them a tactile and interactive experience.

The same principles guided Colombo’s shop designs. For instance, the Lella Sport shop featured a suspended tunnel for clothing storage and revolving compasses for salespeople, catering to both aesthetics and practicality. Another groundbreaking example was the Foto-Cine Continental shop, where he adorned the ceiling with small silvered hemispherical sheets that reflected and multiplied light. The products were showcased in transparent domes, creating a visually captivating display that emphasized the functionality of the space. These designs exemplify Colombo’s commitment to creating practical, adaptable, and aesthetically captivating spaces.

Joe Colombo: A Frenzied Pursuit of Interest and Innovation

With his vibrant red beard, sparkling eyes, and pipe in hand, Joe Colombo was a fervent man. His wide-ranging interests led him to explore everything in his path, from skiing and automobiles to mechanics. Colombo conceptualized ski bindings, car gear shifts, and car designs, though they remained unrealized. In 1971, he ventured into designing a professional camera and a caravan.

Colombo’s dedication focused on research regarding materials, living spaces, and mass production. His recent design endeavors aimed to provide global solutions, emphasizing prefabrication and skilled production. He moved away from objectivist design associated with prestigious cultural products, delving into experimental research and projecting his vision into the future. These ideas were grounded in rigorous theoretical studies and innovative production technologies.

Through his experiments, research, and passions, Colombo made astute observations about the future of design and industry. He expressed concerns about design fully assimilating with industry, hindering its evolution and leading to stagnation. Furthermore, he introduced the concept of ‘anti-design,’ rejecting the objectivity of products and advocating for systems and habitable structures. Additionally, he believed that pure research was the only way to achieve this alternative discourse. Consumed by our consumer society, he recognized the inevitability of design being confined to applied research alone.

Joe Colombo: The Futurist Designer

Joe Colombo, the visionary designer, was widely recognized as the “creator of the future environment” for his unequivocal insights into the potential of audiovisual processes. He foresaw the feasibility of studying and working from home, the obsolescence of megalopolises, and the transformation of traditional families into smaller, affinity-formed groups. Despite the challenges posed by the limited modern industrial production in Italy then, Colombo fearlessly pushed the boundaries with his futuristic furniture proposals, ultimately creating iconic international design pieces. Other manufacturers quickly followed suit, embracing innovation and establishing new companies. Colombo’s unwavering determination to overcome setbacks led him to collaborate with new manufacturers and pursue numerous contracts. Regrettably, his untimely demise curtailed the realization of many groundbreaking projects. Nevertheless, his prolific and diverse body of work garnered him countless awards.

Joe Colombo: The Method Behind the Vision

Joe Colombo’s design approach may have appeared improvisational, but it was a rapid synthesis of his formal, functional, and technical knowledge. Through the use of powerful imagery, he skillfully explored and conveyed ideas. Initially uncertain, his stroke grew more confident with time. Between 1963 and 1965, he ingeniously merged his passion for kinetic art with form and function. Colombo offered multiple solutions for each problem, presenting them to clients or reserving them for future developments. His exceptional memory and talent for reassembling objects into innovative forms with new meanings resulted in truly sculptural designs. 

He adapted his creations based on the properties of materials and functional requirements, meticulously studying and optimizing each design. When necessary, he swiftly discarded sketches to create new ones. Despite his absence, detailed drawings and collaborative efforts ensured the seamless completion of projects. Colombo’s holistic approach transformed objects into something extraordinary. His intuitive and exploratory designs pushed the boundaries, revolutionizing living spaces. While his dream was to encapsulate function in monolithic units, the diverse functions created new monolithic designs. The dynamic and cyclical nature of his process was evident.

Joe Colombo: The Production Process

Joe Colombo created three fundamental groups in his production: objects and appliances, systems and series, and polyfunctional monoblocks. “Objects” are unique pieces that emerged from extensive research on material usage, including notable creations like the Acrilica lamp (1962) and the Elda armchair (1963). Particular objects, such as the Minilamp and the Calice lighthouse tower, were purposefully designed to address specific functional needs. In the initial phase, Joe Colombo’s focus revolved around creating unpublished unique pieces like cutlery and wristwatches. On the other hand, “Systems” comprise elements that can be assembled to form diverse objects, while “monoblocks” integrate multiple functions seamlessly. Colombo’s remarkable ability to connect ideas is evident, and he viewed himself as a collaborator striving to design products most practically and objectively possible.

The Integral Future Habitat: Joe Colombo’s Vision

Joe Colombo’s proposals and production exude exuberance, grounded in profound intellectual research. He approached design and furnishing experiences with a critical eye, considering their historical influences and technological validity. Colombo championed new forms by combining innovative materials and recognizing the problem-solving opportunities they presented. He believed that designers should not remain detached from technological advancements.

Colombo developed a theory that architects would evolve into urban planners or designers, addressing contemporary problems on a global social scale. He envisioned a new way of living that broke free from traditional approaches, driven by audiovisual communications, technological advancements, and rejecting consumerism. His habitat proposals called for a radical transformation of society, deviating from conventional norms. His architectural design methodology incorporated studies of ecology, psychology, ergonomics, and other disciplines centered around the contemporary human experience.

Moreover, his ambition was to offer autonomous, adaptable, and programmable equipment that could function in any present or future space. The relationship between space and time was the fundamental parameter for all his research. Colombo proposed comprehensive solutions for the future habitat, advocating for a coordinated, planned, and programmed structure that embraced technological and scientific progress.

Regrettably, on July 30, 1971, Joe Colombo passed away from a heart attack. However, his design legacy endures, primarily due to his emphasis on freedom. His work presciently anticipated concepts that are now commonplace, such as the interactive relationship between humans and the equipment in their living spaces, the adaptability and transformation of inhabited areas, and the reduction of urban mobility through telecommunications. Beyond technology, functionality, and innovation, his projects possess a distinctive aesthetic quality that transcends time, rendering them eternal symbols of our era.

Most Famous Furniture Design Projects by Joe Colombo

Joe Colombo is renowned for his pioneering work in designing futuristic furniture. Here are some of his most remarkable projects:

Acrilica Lamp

The Acrilica lamp, created in 1962 by Joe Colombo and his brother Gianni, is a fusion of technical innovation and sculptural design. This exceptional lamp showcases their groundbreaking exploration of perspex with a distinctive shape and hybrid approach. Manufactured by O-Luce, this sought-after product is priced at approximately 2,000.00 euros, a testament to contemporary lighting excellence.

 

Roll Armchair

The Roll armchair, designed in 1963, is a timeless piece of furniture showcased in London during the Interfurn Chairs of Nations event in 1965. Its chrome-plated steel frame and single roller padding offer both durability and sophistication. Complete with a complementing footrest, the Roll armchair is a stylish addition to any space.

Combi Center Storage Unit

Designed by Joe Colombo in 1963 for Bernini. This innovative furniture system consists of stackable cylindrical elements that can be configured to create versatile storage furniture with varying heights and functions. The cylinders rotate eccentrically on top of each other, allowing for easy access and customization.

Sella Armchair

The armchair, designed by Joe Colombo in 1963 for Comfort, is sleek and innovative. Crafted from a single piece of curved plywood, it features luxurious leather or fabric upholstery. The base consists of two curved plywood elements connected to the shell using a simple assembly system.

Elda Armchair

The Elda armchair, designed by Joe Colombo in 1963 for Comfort, is an iconic symbol of futuristic design. Its fiberglass shell, luxurious leather cushions, and rotating base offer unmatched mobility. The innovative use of reinforced plastic revolutionized the furniture industry. Seen in popular TV shows and films, it’s a sought-after armchair among design enthusiasts, displayed in prestigious museums like MoMA and the Louvre.

Golf Series

The Golf series, designed by Joe Colombo for Comfort in 1963, features an armchair and sofa with a lacquered wooden structure. Both are movable on wheels and come with independent cushions. The series also includes an ottoman and a low table with a glass top. The cushions are adorned with crossed diagonal seams and a central button. The Golf series offers style and functionality with its visible wooden frame and various upholstery options.

4801 Armchair

The 4801 armchair, designed by Joe Colombo in 1965 and produced by Kartell, is an iconic piece of world design. Originally made entirely of wood, it became a symbol of the sixties and a collector’s item. In 2011, Kartell reissued the armchair using transparent plastic, faithfully reproducing its original curved and sinuous shape. With its timeless charm and contemporary appeal, this piece is perfect for adding an authentic touch to any space.

KD8 and KD28 Lamps

The KD8 lamp, designed by Joe Colombo in 1964 for Kartell, features a unique design with two plastic cylinders. The inner cylinder acts as a diffuser and support base for the light bulb, while the outer cylinder allows for adjusting the light intensity by rotating. This lamp is part of a series with various models and different windows.

The KD28 lamp, designed two years later, is part of a series of table lamps and ceiling lights intended for cost-effective mass production. While the reflector remains consistent across all models, the supports are created by extruding tubes and then shaping them through injection molding.

Nastro Armchair

The Nastro armchair, designed by Joe Colombo for Bonacina in 1964, is a remarkable piece that showcases his creativity and versatility. Made with curved Malacca sticks and leather cushions, it stands out for its smooth curves and unique structure. This iconic design, available in natural or various shades, has been part of Bonacina’s catalog since its inception. With its innovative use of materials and attention to detail, the Nastro armchair remains a timeless and popular choice.

Supercomfort Armchair

The Supercomfort armchair, designed by Joe Colombo for Comfort in 1964, is a masterpiece of ergonomic design. It features a single sheet of curved and carved plywood without joints, providing comfort and style. In 1965, Comfort optimized the production using two carved sheets for the seat and legs. The armchair is finished with a leather cushion and armrest covers, adding the final touch to its sleek and modern design.

Spider Lamp

The Spider lamp, designed by Joe Colombo for Oluce in 1965, is a significant piece of 1960s design. It features an innovative Philips bulb and a sleek rectangular design. Made of metal sheets in various colors, it is attached to a chrome support and can be adjusted along its length. The Spider series includes different types of lamps, expanding its commercial potential and showcasing Colombo’s vision of interiors as systems.

Universale Chair

The Universale chair, designed by Colombo for Kartell in 1965, was a pioneering piece that introduced single-material molding. Originally intended for aluminum production, Colombo’s exploration of new materials led to a thermoplastic prototype. After overcoming molding defects, the chair’s detachable legs allowed for versatile functionality. These early Kartell designs aligned with the technological advancements of Italian design, offering a fresh aesthetic, vibrant colors, and adaptability that captured the spirit of the 1960s.

Continental Bookcase

The display cabinet for cameras at the Foto Cine Continental optical shop, designed by Joe Colombo in 1965, was a remarkable innovation. Originally featured in “Domus” magazine, this design gained recognition and has since been adapted into a bookshelf/display cabinet available in different sizes, materials, colors, and finishes. With its unique circular design and versatile storage compartments, this wall bookshelf combines aesthetics with functionality, making it an essential solution for those who appreciate designer furniture. Its enduring appeal and contribution to the furniture industry make it an iconic piece of design history.

Model 300 Chair

The Model 300 chair, designed by Joe Colombo in 1965 for Pozzi, is a compactly packaged chair made of solid wood. It consists of two symmetrical elements, legs/backrest, assembled to the seat and backrest using hidden hexagonal screws in a groove. These chairs can be attached to form rows.

Additional Modular System

The Additional modular system, designed by Joe Colombo for Sormani in 1967, is a versatile furniture system. It consists of cushions of different sizes that can be arranged to create sofas, armchairs, and ottomans. The cushions are connected by forks and made of polyurethane with a metal reinforcement structure. The project was presented in 1968 during the XIV Triennale di Milano.

Coupé Lamp

The Coupé lamp, designed by Joe Colombo for Oluce in 1967, features a unique lighting system with a cylindrical and semi-spherical shape. Made of metal with fire-painted parts, it offers versatility with floor, table, arc, and wall attachment versions. The reflector can be tilted, rotated, and adjusted in height using a black plastic joint. Initially available in arc, floor, and clamp versions, it remains a timeless piece of design.

Poker Table

This iconic piece, designed in 1968 and produced by Zanotta, has gained international recognition. With its unique design and structural solution, it stands as a testament to the success of Italian design. The table features two laminated print floors with rotating trays for added functionality. It has found a place in the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York.

Cabriolet Bed

The Cabriolet bed, designed by Joe Colombo for Sormani in 1969, is a unique furniture piece that embodies his vision for a new way of living. Its convertible design and functional features, including a wall/headboard with a hidden wardrobe, represent Colombo’s exploration of “anti-design” concepts. Although only a few examples were produced, the bed continues to be celebrated for its innovative and versatile design.

Tubo Chair

Joe Colombo’s Tubo chair, designed in 1969 for Flexform, was a revolutionary seating system. Unlike previous designs, it offered flexibility and adaptability by allowing the buyer to combine plastic tubes of different sizes using connecting joints. This innovative approach challenged the notion of a one-size-fits-all chair and reflected the changing material culture and social customs of the time. Colombo’s propensity for polymorphism, evident since childhood, influenced his creations beyond the Tubo chair, including the Additional System and Multichair. His unique design aesthetic and experimentation with plastic production processes have left a lasting impact on the design world.

Multichair Lounge Chair

The Multi-Chair armchair, designed by Joe Colombo in 1970, is a versatile and functional piece of furniture. It consists of two upholstered cushions that can be used individually or combined to create different seating configurations. With its adaptability and innovative design, the Multi-Chair exemplifies Colombo’s vision of flexibility and multifunctionality. This iconic piece has earned a place in prestigious museum collections and remains a design classic.

Topo Lamp

The Topo lamp, designed by Joe Colombo in 1970, is a versatile lighting system that can be used as a table, wall, or floor lamp. It features an adjustable clamp version with two articulated arms for easy positioning. Made of pressed steel and available in various colors, it now uses LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones. There is also a smaller version called Minitopo, with a distinctive design including a lamp body, a gripping “ear,” and a curled base for the electrical cord.

Boby Trolley

The Boby cart, designed by Joe Colombo in 1970, is a versatile and modular storage solution for both home and office use. Made of injection-molded ABS plastic, it offers swiveling drawers, flip trays, and open organizers to meet various storage needs. With its vibrant colors and practical design, the Boby cart quickly gained popularity among professionals and individuals. Its iconic status is attributed to its distinctive profile, cantilevered shelves, and balanced mix of tools. The cart’s design showcases Colombo’s interest in multifunctional units and the assimilation of plastic as a significant material. Despite the shift to digital work, the Boby cart remains in demand for its storage capabilities and adaptability.

Triedro Lamp

The Triedro lamp, designed by Joe Colombo for Stilnovo in 1970, is a versatile lighting system that can be used in various settings. It consists of combinable elements that allow coordinated illumination in homes, offices, or public spaces. The lamp’s body, made of flat-cut and folded sheet metal, can be mounted on different supports to create table, pendant, wall, ceiling, or clamp lamps. Originally designed with three sheet metal plates, it was later produced with a single folded sheet metal element forming a three-petal flower. The light is available in white color with a black support.

Joe Colombo: A Legacy in Design

In conclusion, Joe Colombo saw design as the tool to bring inventions to life, incorporating elements of culture, synthesis, and color. His legacy in the design world continues to inspire, reminding us that design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating functional and transformative spaces. His approach to design, particularly his emphasis on functionality, transformation, and mobility, set new standards in the industry.

Joe Colombo’s unique journey from painting and sculpture to architecture and design, his visionary approach to space and time, and his innovative use of materials have left an indelible mark on the design world. His works continue to inspire designers across the globe, reminding us that design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating functional and transformative spaces. His impact on the design world is a testament to his creative genius and forward-thinking approach.