Remembering Rodolfo Dordoni: A legacy of crafting the ephemeral into perpetuity
by Aarthi MohanAug 03, 2023
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by STIRworldPublished on : Feb 16, 2022
The story of Italian architect and designer Achille Castiglioni's last design began with a chance discovery his sons Giovanna and Carlo Castiglioni made in their father’s Milan studio. Hidden behind the big angular mirror were the prototypes for an unpublished project by Castiglioni, perhaps the last of his career, and co-signed by architect Gianfranco Cavaglià were the writing instruments. Castiglioni’s home has been the headquarters of the Fondazione Achille Castiglioni since 2012. The wooden prototypes, made by cabinetmaker Pierluigi Ghianda, replicate the trilobate arched shape studied by Castiglioni and Cavaglià. Featuring a distinctively ergonomic form, the design is meant to represent a true alliance between mind, hand and object, with the added benefit of not rolling on a table. Cavaglià recalled this particular aspect as "seemed of some interest to us". The collection was given the name CENTO3.
Left in a drawer for years, the design was realised by Italian design studio EGO.M. Entrusted with the development, engineering and production of the project, the project was first announced on Castiglioni’s 103rd birthday on February 16, 2021. Aware of the gravity of the responsibility, the team collaborated with Cavaglià to understand the basics of the project, its ethos and the original intentions of the writing instruments. After a careful analysis of the wooden prototypes and project drawings, three instruments were selected for production - a mechanical pencil, a multifunctional art pencil and a pocket fountain pen. Each of the selected instruments aligned with a precise vision for the project. The mechanical pencil represents the technical drawing, the multifunctional art pencil is practical, handy and appropriate for many uses while the fountain pen has been deliberately chosen in a pocket version to be more contemporary, unconventional and closer to the younger generations.
The instruments were created using a fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing technique. This particular method was selected for production, because of its versatility that allows for the production of more unique forms. The 3D printing process allows the printer to deposit material only where necessary, realising the project without any waste. In this process, the material used, an aspect which was very important to the architects Castiglioni and Cavaglià, is paramount. Graphene seemed to be the right choice because of its mechanical properties, colour and finish. Graphene is composed of a monoatomic layer of carbon and graphite and the collaborator found the concept of a pencil made of a pencil interesting.
Layered 3D printing leaves behind a texture on the objects. The collaborator viewed this as a trace that represents the value, and authenticity of the production process. In addition to being smooth to the touch, the instruments also have a knurled grip that allows for more comfort. Cavaglià said, “With architect Castiglioni, we considered an absolutely positive feature for a writing instrument." With this production technique, every piece is realised individually, gaining the moniker industrial craftsmanship.
The name CENTO3 was a strategic selection that reflects the study and research put into realising the project. Castiglioni believed that “even naming objects is an act of design”, and as a result, the title for this collection reflects the same; three designed objects and their respective writing typologies, the 3D production technology, three project partners – EGO.M, Fondazione Achille Castiglioni, Gianfranco Cavaglià, the involvement of three generations, the three fingers that hold the writing instrument, and the three arches of the trilobate shape. CENTO3 (HUNDRED3) also reflects the fact that the project was announced three years past Castiglioni’s centennial.
Name: CENTO3
Location: Milan, and Bologna, Italy
Year: 2021
Design team: Achille Castiglioni, Gianfranco Cavaglià, EGO.M
Producer: EGO.M
by Lema Sep 28, 2023
The Italian brand partners with Norm Architects to realise a living room setting through an eco-friendly perspective—embodying sophisticated design and sustainability in tandem.
by Aarthi Mohan Sep 27, 2023
Drawing inspiration from a flipboat, architect Margot Krasojevic’s design for the hydrokinetic geyser tidal resort on Scotland's coastline embraces the future of ecotourism.
by Anushka Sharma Sep 26, 2023
In collaboration with media platform It’s Nice That, LEGO opens doors to a space that fosters creativity and calm in the midst of the bustling Shoreditch Design Triangle.
by LATOxLATO Sep 25, 2023
Francesco Breganze de Capnist and Virginia Valentini's design studio create a series of evocative wallpapers for Italian brand Inkiostro Bianco’s Flow line.
make your fridays matter
SUBSCRIBEDon't have an account?
Sign UpOr you can join with
Already signed up?
LoginOr you can join with
Please select your profession for an enhanced experience.
Tap on things that interests you.
Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch
Please enter your details and click submit.
Enter the code sent to
What do you think?