(Como 1905-Milan1977)

Born in 1905, Franco Albini began his studies in architecture at the Ecole Polytechnique in Milan, where he graduated in 1929.

Still a student, Albini meets Gio Ponti and begins to work with him and to assist him in his workshops.

In 1930, he opened his own studio where he devoted himself to the production of design furniture and the design of decorative ensembles. The same year marks its first participation in the Triennale of Milan, a show that will host the designer's pieces several times, and allows to observe its evolution towards a rationalism more and more asserted. Thus, its "one man room", a space exhibited in 1936 where each element is the result of functional reflection, including integrated furniture, illustrates this minimalist aesthetic.

The 1950s marked the pinnacle of his work: he designed removable and extendable parts that could be adapted to different spaces. This work earned him the title of "neo-rationalist" designer. The modern forms and the functional spirit of his work will be combined with a technique of artisan production, respecting the traditional know-how. In a difficult post-war context, it innovates by introducing low-cost materials in the realization of its furniture.

In the 1960s, working with the architect Franca Helg, his work was oriented towards a more industrial conception of design, which resulted in the construction of buildings and metro stations in Milan. He received many awards for his architectural work, including the Compasso d'Oro.