Andrea Branzi

Andrea Branzi (1938-2023) was one of the most influential Italian architects, designers, and theorists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born in Florence, he graduated in architecture in 1966 and became a leading figure in the Italian Radical movement. He co-founded Archizoom Associati, a collective that challenged design and urban planning conventions with visionary projects such as the imaginary city *No-Stop City*.

In the following years, Branzi developed a theoretical and design approach that blended design, art, and sociology, making a crucial contribution to the concept of "weak design," an alternative to the rigidity of modernism. He collaborated with major companies such as Alessi, Cassina, and Vitra, creating objects that combined functionality with poetic expression.

Beyond his design practice, he was a prolific writer and educator, teaching at the Politecnico di Milano and curating numerous international exhibitions. In 1987, he was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for his career and contributions to design.

Until the end of his life, Branzi continued to explore the relationship between nature and artificiality, tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary architecture and design.