From March 17 to May 7, 2025, the Politecnico di Milano presents Carlo De Carli Corollario, an exhibition that revisits the work of one of Italian design and architecture’s postwar masters.
The show brings together furniture, drawings, models, and original documents, offering a comprehensive view of his design approach and aesthetic vision.
For the first time, a vast selection of previously unseen and original materials is presented in such a complete and unified way.
The exhibition traces De Carli’s wide-ranging interests and work, spanning architecture, design, and painting, as well as his editorial contributions—he led Interni magazine for years—and his dedication to teaching.
Alongside his most iconic furniture designs, the exhibition presents sketches and architectural models that shed light on his working method—one rooted in a constant exploration of the relationship between space and object.
De Carli’s vision extended from architecture to furniture and design objects, shaping pieces like Cassina’s 683 chair, which won the first Compasso d’Oro in 1954, and Tecno’s Balestra armchair, awarded the Grand Prize at the 11th Triennale in 1957.
The Corollaries: Insights into De Carli’s Work
More than an innovator in design, De Carli was an architect and educator who left a lasting mark on the Italian landscape. His work spanned public and private buildings, interiors, and furniture design, always guided by a deep coherence between form and function.
At the same time, he helped redefine the relationship between designers and industry, working with companies like Cassina and Tecno to bridge craftsmanship and large-scale production. His influence extended beyond the built project—through magazines like Il Mobile Italiano and Interni, he fostered a cultural dialogue that shaped generations of designers.
The exhibition Carlo De Carli – Corollario explores the architect’s design philosophy through a series of in-depth studies—his “corollaries”—which, when brought together, outline his method and areas of research: Thought and Words, The Gift of Painting, Correspondences of the Senses, The Relevance of Furniture, Exhibition Narratives, Architectural Research, Furniture Design, Teaching and the Academy.
Exhibition Information
Where: Politecnico di Milano, Spazio Mostre Guido Nardi
When: March 17 – May 7, 2025
Website: carlodecarli.com
