"Why?" and "What problem do I have to solve?" were the questions the designer and architect Achille Castiglioni used to ask himself before creating. Master of 20th century design and creator of the "Castiglioni Method", a way of thinking that blends observation, curiosity and simplicity, his bequest continues to inspire different generations through the Fondazione Achille Castiglioni. This is what Giovanna Castiglioni, daughter of the designer and manager of the foundation, tells us, confessing that her father's goal "was never to impress, but to improve what already existed".

Some of Castiglioni's creations, on loan from the Sagaseta business , could be visited at the School during the exhibition 'The objects of Achille Castiglioni', which visited the entrance hall from September 15 to 22. In addition, Giovanna Castiglioni gave the lecture ' design is a serious topic ' at the School and gave an interview to deepen the creative process of her father, for whom "humor was not an ornament, but part of the function".

How does it feel to see your father's creations on display at the School of Architecture?
Seeing the exhibition at the School means that his way of thinking, his curiosity and his process are still current. It's not just about the objects, but about the method, about how students can learn from his playful but rigorous approach to design.

Did your father follow any specific creative process?
He had a very staff approach to the creative process. He never started with abstract theories or with the idea of creating something "beautiful". He always started from people: he observed their habits, their needs, even their small everyday problems. He liked to say that a good project should never be born at a desk, but by looking closely at reality. He deeply believed in the importance of curiosity and play, and was curious about everything.

In his studio there were always many objects, prototypes and even things apparently unrelated to design. In addition, partnership and multidisciplinarity were essential. He worked closely with craftsmen, companies and colleagues, always willing to listen and learn from others.

One of the hallmarks of his work is everyday life. How important were everyday objects to him?
They were everything. He believed that extraordinary ideas could be found in the ordinary. He had great respect for the anonymous design : objects like a broom, a spoon or a switch, because they are often "perfect" without pretending to be. He studied them, laughed at them and used them as inspiration.

Lamps, chairs and storage elements continue to decorate interiors around the world. What do you think is his father's bequest to design?
The most important thing is how his approach continues to inspire designers. He showed that design can be intelligent, poetic and humorous at the same time. He taught us that good design doesn't get old, is timeless because it responds to fundamental human needs and boils down to the essentials. Form often follows function.

How important is design in local contexts?
design belongs everywhere, not only in museums or big cities. It should be part of everyday life, of every home and every local context. That's why it's so important that stores like Sagaseta bring these pieces closer to the people. When design is accessible, it begins to shape how people live, how they interact with objects, how they think.

If you could send a message to design and architecture students, what would it be?
Ask yourselves why? Go out, look around, collect ideas, talk to people and play with prototypes. Don't be afraid of simplicity and never forget humor. And, above all, enjoy the process: designing is a joyful act.

* project PID2023-153253NA-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU.