Gae Aulenti
“The conscious principle in this design has been to achieve forms that could create experiences, and that could at the same time welcome everyone's experiences with the serenity of an effortless development.” -
Gae Aulenti
Born: December 4, 1927, Palazzolo dello Stella, Italy
Died: October 31, 2012, Milan, Italy
NATIONALITY: ITalian
Education: Politecnico di Milano (1953)
Photo © Ugo Mulas; image courtesy of Archivio Gae Aulenti
"When you're criticized for something, it's best to wait two or three years and see."
- Gae Aulenti
Gaetana Aulenti was born December 4, 1927 in Palazzolo dello Stella, Italy. The world-renowned architect and designer attended Politecnico di Milano where she graduated with a degree in architecture in 1954.
Shortly after graduation, Aulenti established her design practice in Milano. At the same time, she served as art director for Casabella, a leading avant-garde architectural journal of the era. She was rising to prominence and it was during these early years that her unique design philosophy would soon be unearthed.
This philosophy was centered around the ultimate freedom of the designer. Rather than limiting oneself to a singular medium, Aulenti believed instead that each individual space and its inhabitants should inform the design around them.
This resulted in a body of work that spanned all realms. She thought, why restrict oneself to a specific aesthetic or method? Aulenti designed furniture, lighting, interiors, architecture, whatever her soul felt compelled to create.
One of the most famous designs of Gae Aulenti is the ‘Pipistrello’ table lamp designed in 1965 and produced by Martinelli Luce. A fun fact is that this design was originally conceived as a site-specific piece of furniture for Paris’s Olivetti shop but ended up expanding into an international presence, now found in many celebs homes.
Another largely loved item is her ‘Jumbo’ marble cocktail table also found in many famous interiors like Victoria’s Secret angel Elsa Hosks New York City home shown below
.
One of our favorites is the ‘Locus Solus’ series designed in 1964. Shown below at Palm Heights Hotel Resort.
Move over furniture! Let’s take a look at some of Gae Aulenti’s famous interior jobs.
First, we have the Olivetti showroom in Paris, 1966-67
Next up, we have La Grotta Rosa, a house on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Aulenti began working on this project in 1969 and completed it in 1972. She transformed a natural cave formation into a simple yet modern oasis. Photographed by Carla de Benedetti.
This chrome fantasy is the home of Altana Palazzo Pucci in Florence, Italy, designed by and completed in 1971 by Gae Aulenti. Photographed by Ivan Terestchenko.
Next, we have a home in Rome, designed by Gae Aulenti in 1973. Photographed by Carla de Benedetti.
One of the most fascinating interiors is Gae Aulenti’s own home in Milan, completed in 1975. This one of a kind loft space is an absolute dream. The bright red industrial style stairs and bridge bring a certain urban chic to her contemporary home. The bridge is suspended above her living and dining room quarters and makes the most of the space. Photographed by Carla de Benedetti.
Aulenti was celebrated in her lifetime for her contributions to the fields of architecture and design by renowned institutions around the globe. In addition to being awarded the designation of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, Aulenti was the recipient of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and was also elected as an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects before her death at the age of 85.
“The moment it’s loudly announced that red is in fashion, I want to dress in green.”
- Gae Aulenti
“Tradition is not something that is received as a legacy, but rather something that is built every day”
-Gae Aulenti
We have not included every work of Gae Aulenti’s, as there are so many spanning across various industries. We urge our readers to do their own independent research into all of her designs.
DISCLAIMER: THE MILLIE VINTAGE DOES NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
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