With offices in Milan and New York, Lissoni & Partners has a 30-year history in developing projects in the fields of architecture and design. Now, a new book edited by Stefano Casciani offers a complete view of the studio’s decades of groundbreaking work
Photography by Francesco Caredda featuring Piero Lissoni: Environments written by Stefano Casciani and published by Rizzoli
Stefano Casciani’s book Piero Lissoni: Environments, published by the famed purveyor of art tomes Rizzoli, takes a deep dive into the creative work and journey of renowned architect, designer and master of contemporary design Piero Lissoni and his practice Lissoni & Partners.
The volume traces a hundred architecture, interior, product design, installation and graphic design projects, developed over a career spanning almost 40 years. There are 480 pages dedicated to the studio’s visual world, offering readers a rare glimpse into Lissoni’s creative universe and recognisable style. Combining a holistic design approach that blends formal rigour and simplicity, Lissoni allows curiosity to be his guide as the Italian creative writes in his preface. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to his work, this book aims to uncover Lissoni’s expertise, but also shines a spotlight on his courage to push the boundaries of design.
‘Actually, I didn’t want to make a book,’ says Piero Lissoni, ‘but I imagined having to resolve a series of functional problems, such as how to stabilise a table, or how to make a base for a vase of flowers,’ explains Lissoni. ‘While I was at it, I also tried to add a bit of content. In addition to the mentoring of Stefano Casciani and the texts he wrote, I tried to describe what we are: we are not architects, we are not designers, we are not graphic designers – we are a strange mix lying between humanism and maybe a dash of science.’
Photography by Francesco Caredda featuring Piero Lissoni
Showcasing the projects that define Lissoni’s signature stylistic code, with a preface by Lissoni and introduction by Casciani, the book’s design, realised by Lissoni & Partners, aims to reflect the studio’s visual identity. From the sleek packaging to the thoughtfully chosen paper stock, readers can also expect contributions from Milan-based illustrator Guido Scarabottolo.
Organised around different fields of intervention, the practice comprises Lissoni Casal Ribeiro for masterplans, landscape design, and architecture; Lissoni Associati for interior design, product design, art direction, and fit- outs; and Lissoni Graphx for graphic design, visual communication, and brand identity, while Lissoni New York develops architecture and interior design projects for the American continent.
As creative director for Alpi, B&B Italia, Boffi, Living Divani, Lema, Lualdi, Porro, and Sanlorenzo, for whom he also designs an extensive range of products, Lissoni has also worked with many international brands in the last 30 years, including Alessi, Antrax, Atlas Concorde, Bonacina 1889, Cappellini, Cassina, Cotto, De Padova, Fantini, Fendi Casa, Flos, illycaffè, Janus et Cie, Kartell, Knoll, Olivari, Salvatori, and Tecno.
Photography by Francesco Caredda featuring Piero Lissoni: Environments
Richly illustrated with photographs, floor plans, and sketches, the book is structured by theme and includes Lissoni’s most important projects for industrial and residential architecture, as well as commercial and public spaces, museum displays, boats, graphic design, and product design. Some of these are his new brand identity for Fondazione Palazzo Te in Mantua; the interiors of Grand Park Hotel Rovinj in Croatia; the minimalist ‘Architect’s House’ in Vallemaggiore, Tuscany; and his Eda- Mame sofa for B&B Italia, designed back in 2018.
Offering a fresh interpretation of the studio’s creative legacy, Piero Lissoni: Environments takes readers on a creative journey and uncovers Lissoni’s unique approach to design. A celebration of the studio and its far-reaching creative contributions, the book will offer architects and designers plenty of inspiration for creative ideas, practices and strategies. With unique insights into the working methods of Lissoni, this beautifully illustrated book is a must-read for design and architecture enthusiasts and one to add to your summer reading list.
Piero Lissoni: Environments by Stefano Casciani is published by Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)
The story originally appeared in ICON 215, Spring/Summer 2024. Get a curated collection of design and architecture news in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
