Sottsass, Ettore

Sottsass, Ettore

(1918–2007)An Italian architect, designer, and founder of the Memphis postmodern design group, best known for flamboyant product designs, like the 1969 red Olivetti Valentine typewriter, bright plastic tabletop pieces for Alessi, and light fixtures for Artemide. The controversial Memphis design movement of the early 1980s featured odd shapes and angles, discordant materials, and form before function, demanding that everyday objects get a new review. It was not until his mid-60s that Sottsass began to regularly produce works of architecture. From nearly 20 luxury homes to yachts and a golf resort for the People’s Liberation Army in China, Sottsass brought his unique vision to projects worldwide. In his home city of Milan, he completed the interiors of the Malpensa International Airport in 2000.