Achille Castiglioni was born in Milan in February 1918. He studied architecture at Milano University and graduated in Architecture in 1944, when he also set up a design office. It is said that his design was inspired by everyday things and made use of ordinary materials – minimal materials and forms with maximum effect.

After graduation, he started his career focussed mainly on architecture. Following the war, in response to the industrialisation of Italy, he turned his focus to industrial and exhibition design. Castiglioni created objects that have become international icons, including the Arco Lamp and Parentesi lamps.