17.12.2020

Interviews

6 objects for a portrait of Angelo Lunati

Founder of award-winning architecture firm Onsitestudio based in Milan, the architect tells intOndo about a few objects he is particularly fond of.

His natural inclination to collect timeless furnishings, sober in style but full of personality, is a clear reflection of Angelo Lunati's passion for the history of Milanese architecture, a subject to be rediscovered in his recent publication Ideas of Ambiente: History and bourgeois Ethics in the Construction of modern Milan (Park Books, 2020). In the book, Angelo analyzes the fascinating modernization process that took place in Milan between the 19th and 20th century, focusing on the dialogue between the upper classes and the specific urban culture and architecture of the city, which fostered its economic and artistic success. In Milan, in 2006 Angelo founded Onsitestudio, counted among the best architecture firms by Domus50 Best Architecture Firms of 2020 guide, and winner of prestigious international awards. Between one project and another, in Italy and around the world — his work has also been exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale — Angelo always takes the time to devote to researching furnishings and objects signed by his favorite 20th century authors, which he loves to discover among fairs, vintage dealers and auctions. The one piece he would like to own? A Catilina chair in the large version, one of the great classics designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Let's discover with him 6 elements in his home that are particularly close to his heart!

 

1. The plan of Milan, dated 1807-1808 and created by the Brera Astronomers: it is the most beautiful and precise representation of neoclassical Milan.

2. Milan, a photograph taken by photographer Vincenzo Catella from the Casa della Fontana in via Vittorio Veneto in Milan, where the view extends to the Centro Direzionale.


3. Il Gattopardo, the book that helped me conquer my wife!

 

4. The LL04 chaise longue designed by Maarten Van Severen: European charm.

 


5. The Taccia table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos made in 1962, given to me by my mother.

 


6.  The Livorno bookcase made of red painted sheet metal, designed by Marco Ferreri for Danese: a wedding gift.