True to his “system philosophy”, the architect and designer Rodolfo Dordoni not only designed individual products but often entire collections, including the exhibition stands, showrooms and shops in which they were presented. When designing, Dordoni always emphasised quality, clarity and solid craftsmanship; form and function were balanced in his designs. The results were things of simple elegance that were as concise as they were unobtrusive.
Rodolfo Dordoni was born in Milan in 1954. He graduated in architecture from the Politecnico in 1979. He then worked for ten years as art director for his student friend Giulio Cappellini. Dordoni designed lamps and furniture, kitchens, bathroom accessories, carpets and much more for renowned design companies such as Artemide, De Sede and Kettal. From 1995, he worked with Dolce & Gabbana, where he was responsible for the design and interior decoration of shops, showrooms and home furnishings. After cooperations with brands such as Foscarini (with the “Lumiere” lamp, he created a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic lampshade made of blown glass) and Fontana Arte, Dordoni designed the reduced leather chair “Suitcase” for Minotti in 1997. He then became the art director of the brand, which was founded in 1948, and was responsible for the designs of the collections. For a quarter of a century, he shaped the design language of the family business, designing tables, modular sofas as well as shop concepts and trade fair stands for Minotti.
“We note the news of his death with sadness and would like to express our gratitude for his life, his work and for everything he passed on to us,” said co-CEO Roberto Minotti, according to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. Rodolfo had “found the right balance between creative passion and discipline”. “I’m a pragmatic person,” Dordoni told Domus magazine in a 2019 interview, “so my main goal is that the product works immediately, not later, and that it lasts a long time.” In addition to his involvement with Minotti and Roda, he has most recently worked for his “Studio Dordoni Architetti”, founded in 2005. His last works, among others for Minotti and Molteni, were still presented at the Milan Furniture Fair in April. Rodolfo Dordoni died in Milan on 1 August at the age of 69.
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