PARISI Ico

Domenico known as “Ico” Parisi (1916-1996) is an Italian architect and designer. Born in Palermo, he studies construction in Como and graduates in 1934. Same year, he starts his learning with the architect Giuseppe Terragni. In 1945, he organizes the first exhibitions of contemporary furnitures in Como. Two years later, he marries Luisa Aiani, a former student of Gio Ponti. The couple foundes La Ruota studio in 1948. Their design and architecture worshop is also a place of culture, exhibition and meeting between artists and designers. From the 1950s, Ico Parisi devotes himself to furnitures design. He designs pieces with a modern aesthetic, combining wood, metal or glass. During this period, he is one of the most influential Italian furniture designers. He has many collaborations: with manufacturers like Altamira, Cassina, Longhi, painters and sculptors like Lucio Fontana, Bruno Munari, Mario Radice, designers or architects like Gio Ponti. In 1954, he wins the gold prize at the Milan Triennale. The following year, he receives several awards from the Compasso d'Oro. In the mid-1950s, he joins the ADI (Association for Industrial Design) which participated to the industrial aesthetic of the post-war period.