On the occasion of the 9th edition of the Italian Design Day (IDD) – this year with the theme “Inequalities. Design for a better life” – the Italian Cultural Institute, at the initiative of the Italian Embassy in Helsinki, organised a conference dedicated to the master Achille Castiglioni on 21st February, in collaboration with the Helsinki Design Museum. Titled “If you’re not curious, forget it”, the event was named after a famous phrase attributed to the designer, who was a multiple recipient of the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award.
The event was led by the spokesperson selected by the Italian Foreign Ministry in collaboration with ADI, the Ministry of Culture, the Triennale di Milano, and the Salone del Mobile di Milano, Professor Giovanna Castiglioni, Curator and Vice President of the Foundation dedicated to Achille Castiglioni.
Giovanna Castiglioni, daughter of Achille, a graduate in Geological Sciences and a university lecturer, decided in 2005 to dedicate herself entirely to managing her father’s studio and his design legacy, promoting the “Castiglioni method” worldwide. In her talk, Giovanna Castiglioni outlined the work of archiving and enhancing her father’s legacy carried out by the Foundation, emphasising the importance of passing on the “Castiglioni method” to new generations of designers and enthusiasts.
The conference, which concluded with a speech by the Ambassador of Italy to Helsinki, Nicola Todaro Marescotti, offered an in-depth reflection on the work and methodology of one of Italy’s most influential design masters, highlighting the value of curiosity and innovation in design. The event attracted a strong turnout from professionals, design enthusiasts, and high-level representatives from the Italian and Finnish cultural, design, and architecture sectors.
