Gio Ponti

12 Pages 3056 Words

During the twentieth century, the world of Italian design achieved their identity as the “design capital of the world”. The evolution of Italian design was equally impacted by the rise of Fascism between the World Wars, the emergence of new ideological approaches towards design, and technological advancements. However, no other element influenced Italy’s national identity more than the work of Gio Ponti. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of Modernism in today’s world has sparked a renewed interest in Ponti’s design ideology, as well as his works, both of which have adopted innovation and refinement.
In order to understand Gio Ponti’s influence on Italian design, one must first understand the influence the world had on Ponti. A brief synopsis of his existence is necessary in order to reveal the elements, which ultimately determined his novel ideology towards design. Ponti’s service during WWI and his work with various design firms he worked with over the span of nearly six decades are obvious contributions. Meanwhile, one cannot overlook his work as an editor and educator, nor his participation in the Triennale Exhibitions, which not only influenced Ponti but the rest of the world as well.
First, it is necessary to give due credit to http://www.gioponti.com/index.html, which provided all of the following biographical information pertaining to Gio Ponti. Gio Ponti was born in Milan on November 18, 1891 to Enrico Ponti and Giovanna Rigone. As Italy engaged in a war with Austria, Ponti was drafted into the army. By 1916, Ponti acquired the rank of captain, while he also received the Bronze Medal and Military Cross. During his tour in WWI, Ponti witnessed many examples of the classical architect, Andrea Palladio. His experience with Palladian architecture helped to initiate his earliest conceptions of design.
After exiting the war, Ponti pursued a degree in architecture at the Milan Polytechnic and finally...