Massimo Iosa Ghini
# Massimo Iosa Ghini

Massimo Iosa Ghini (born 18 June 1959) is an Italian architect, designer, and professor. He is recognized for his contribution to the Bolidist Movement and his involvement with the Memphis Group, alongside architects such as Ettore Sottsass and Michael Graves. Iosa Ghini is acclaimed for his streamlined and organic designs, demonstrating his visionary ability to blend disciplines, forms, and dimensions, transcending boundaries between art, design, and architecture. With a prolific career spanning the globe, he has created numerous architectural projects and a substantial collection of furniture that reflects his futuristic design style. In 1990, he founded the Iosa Ghini Associati (Associates) Firm, which currently operates in Milan, Bologna, Moscow, and Miami.

## Schooling

Born in Bologna, Massimo Iosa Ghini initially pursued illustration before discovering his true passion for architecture. He attended Milan Polytechnic, and upon graduation, he found himself immersed in the dynamic atmosphere of the 1980s, which greatly influenced his work. During this time, he explored various artistic endeavors, including furniture design and set design for an Italian TV network. In 1981, his unconventional designs caught the attention of the Memphis Group, a groundbreaking collective of architects and designers. This association provided him with valuable learning experiences and opportunities to create iconic pieces such as the "Bertrand" Sideboard and the "Otello" armchair, one of which was recently auctioned from the late David Bowie's Collection.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Iosa Ghini has shared his expertise through teaching. He has previously held positions at Sapienza University in Rome and served as an adjunct professor at Hong Kong Technical University. Currently, he is a professor at Ferrara University.

## Bolidism

Iosa Ghini is recognized as one of the pioneers of Bolidism, a style characterized by the prominence of visual and media aspects over functional purposes, depicting the transition from materiality to a more visual representation of objects. This vibrant style emerged in the 1980s and draws inspiration from futurism, showcasing a fascination with the interaction between humans and machines.

## Architecture

In 1990, Massimo Iosa Ghini co-founded Iosa Ghini Associati with his wife, Milena Mussi. Since then, his firm has collaborated with various international groups, undertaking large-scale projects in residential, commercial, and public spaces. Notably, Iosa Ghini's distinctive, dynamic, and futurist Italian style is evident in the design of the Ferrari Factory Store. The firm places a strong emphasis on creating architectural experiences that cater to the modern human, incorporating elements of media, communication, and transportation into their designs.

Iosa Ghini's work is characterized by a vibrant and playful touch, bringing a sense of liveliness to his projects. In addition to the aforementioned companies, he has contributed to the global development of brands such as IBM, Kiko Milano, the Capital Group, and Alitalia, among others. His work has received recognition, including his selection by Luca Zevi, curator of the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2012, for the exhibition "Architetture del Made in Italy," featuring the "Seat Pagine Gialle" project in Turin.

## Product Design

Several of Iosa Ghini's products were featured in the influential Memphis Project. His design style is characterized by a playful and decorative approach, aligning with the exhibition's rejection of rationalism. This unique feature is evident across various scales of his work, from tableware and furniture to public transportation. Iosa Ghini has collaborated with renowned product brands like Alessi and Duravit.

Many of his projects, spanning different scales, have been acquired by museum collections and have garnered recognition and awards, including the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, the Roscoe Award, the IAI Green Design Award in China, the iF Product Design Award, and the Red Dot Award.

In his commissions, Iosa Ghini places great emphasis on the design of furniture, which adds a bespoke quality to all his works and enhances the cohesiveness of his colorful visions.

## Work

The Iosa Ghini website features the following projects, showcasing a selection of notable realized works:

* Brickell Flatiron, Miami (USA) - Currently under construction
* Marconi Express, People Mover, Bologna (Italy)
* OKO Residential Building, Moscow (Russia) - Completed in 2016
* "Linea di Luce" (Italy) - Completed in 2014
* IBM Italia, IBM Software Executive Briefing Center, Rome (Italy) - Completed in 2010
* Garage San Marco, Venice (Italy) - Completed in 2009
* Ferrari Factory Store, Serravalle Scrivia (Italy) - Completed in 2009
* Ferrari, Galleria Museo Ferrari, Maranello (Italy) - Completed in 2004
* Boscolo Group, New York Residence, Budapest (Hungary) - Completed in 2004
* Kiko Make Up Milano, Stores - Ongoing since 2006
* Superga, Stores - Established in 1997
