Sanluca was designed by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni and produced over time by various different companies. It entered production in 1960, marking the debut of the Italian furniture company Gavina SpA. The design process took place in 1959 and required a very complex development, involving the creation of multiple plastic models in various materials, such as clay, then plaster, and finally wood. The design of the armchair revolves around a few well-defined concepts, with ergonomics at the core of the product's concept, influencing every other feature of the seat. Despite having a very rigid structure and reduced thickness, it remains very comfortable. In the following year, it went into production. In 1969, Knoll started producing it after the Italian company was acquired by the Americans. Subsequently, from 1990, it was produced by Bernini (which led to the version with a wooden structure due to the company's extensive experience in cabinetry), and since 2004, it has been produced by Poltrona Frau. It is one of the most significant industrial design products of the 20th century and is part of the permanent collection of the Triennale Design Museum. It was exhibited at the 4th edition of the museum's exhibition "Le Fabbriche dei sogni" and has been displayed in many international exhibitions and museums focusing on industrial design and Italian design, such as the MoMa in New York. /
50 2Y Italian deisgn, Ed. Mondadori, year 2006 - Accademia delle Belle Arti di Brera, “Dino Gavina Ultrarazionale Ultramobile”, Compositori Publishing House, Milan 1998 - Querini Stampalia Scientific Foundation, “Dino Gavina, emblematic collections of the modern from 1950 to 1992” , Jaca Book, Milan 1992 - Virgilio Vercelloni, “The adventure of design: Gavina” Jaca Book, Milan 1987 - Going home, a new dynamic approach to Italian design, ICE Assoarredo, P. 46. Year 1992
The Castiglioni brothers represented an incredible family forge of inventive genius during the 1940s and 1950s, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design, not only in Italy but internationally as well. The Castiglioni studio was founded in 1938 by the brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo, who were occasionally joined by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for certain projects. In 1944, Achille also became part of the studio. Together, the three brothers signed projects that became significant milestones in the history of modern design. Through their work, they transitioned Italian design from a purely stylistic and culturally influenced dimension to a realm of timeless design. While never compromising on their exploration of technologies, materials, and production processes, they managed to give industrial design completely new meanings, incorporating elements of irony, fun, invention, and extreme practicality. Many of their products have become iconic examples of Italian design over the years. In 1952, Livio began his independent career as a designer and consultant for some of Italy's largest companies, including Olivetti, Fiat, Brionvega, and others. On the other hand, Piergiacomo and Achille continued to work together until Piergiacomo's passing in 1978. They won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award, the Italian design equivalent of an Oscar, a remarkable seven times. Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni are among the founders of the Association for Industrial Design. /