Welcome to Rodolfo Dordoni Foundation. A place dedicated to celebrating the vision, creativity, and enduring legacy of Rodolfo Dordoni, one of the most influential architects and designers of our time.
Fondazione Rodolfo Dordoni
29 via Bramante 20154 Milan
fondazione@rodolfodordoni.org
Rodolfo Dordoni was a master of Italian design, an architect and designer whose refined elegance, timeless style, and understated sophistication left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, furniture, and industrial design.
Born in Milan in 1954, Dordoni graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano. Early in his career, he embraced a multidisciplinary approach that would define his work across architecture, interior design, and product design. His philosophy was rooted in balance, proportion, and the belief that true design transcends trends, focusing instead on harmony, functionality, and emotion.
Over the decades, Dordoni collaborated with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Minotti, Flos, Foscarini, Molteni&C, Cassina, and Roda, among many others. His role often went beyond that of designer, he became an artistic director, shaping brand identities and guiding creative direction with his signature touch of discreet elegance. In 2005, he co-founded Dordoni Architetti, an architectural studio specializing in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects worldwide. His work was always characterized by a sophisticated simplicity, a quiet luxury that spoke volumes without excess.
Dordoni’s legacy is one of integrity, passion, and a relentless pursuit of beauty in everyday objects and spaces. His designs continue to inspire generations of architects and designers, embodying the essence of Italian design: cultured, thoughtful, and enduring. The Fondazione Rodolfo Dordoni was established to honour his life’s work, preserve his creative heritage, and promote the values he championed, elegance, innovation, and cultural dialogue in design.
Rational Elegance and Contextual Harmony
Rodolfo Dordoni’s design philosophy is rooted in rationalism, emphasizing clarity, proportion, and functionality. He believed that an object gains significance when it has a reason to exist within its context. His approach involved creating cohesive collections rather than standalone pieces, ensuring that each design contributes to a harmonious environment.
Dordoni seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. His work with Minotti, starting in 1997, exemplifies this integration. He aimed to renew the company’s identity by proposing cohesive collections that reflect both continuity and innovation.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Dordoni’s designs are characterized by precise geometries and pure volumes. He maintained a consistent visual language across various typologies, from furniture to lighting, ensuring that each piece embodies a sense of understated elegance.
Dordoni preferred long-term collaborations with companies, allowing for continuous development and refinement of designs. He believed that working consistently with a brand enables the application of a method, which becomes a valuable code over time.
National Award for Innovation
Awarded to Dordoni Architetti Studio for its innovative contributions to design and architecture.
Honorable Mention at the XXIII Compasso d’Oro
Recognized for excellence in industrial design by the Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (ADI).
EDIDA (Elle Deco International Design Awards)
The “Jeff” coffee table, designed by Dordoni, won the German edition in the “Furniture” category.
Archiproducts Design Awards
The “Twiggy” seating system, designed for Minotti, received the award in the “Furniture” category.
Archiproducts Design Awards
The “Dylan” modular seating system, part of Minotti’s 2023 Collection, won in the “Furniture” category.
Wallpaper Smart Space Awards*
The “Fleur” portable table lamp, designed for Foscarini, was selected as the winner in the “Most Illuminating Lighting” category.
Wallpaper*
Fleur table lamp by Rodolfo Dordoni wins the “Most Illuminating Lighting” category. Link: Wallpaper* awards Fleur by Rodolfo Dordoni (Foscarini)
El País
An in-depth article reflecting on Dordoni’s legacy and design philosophy. Link: The legacy of Rodolfo Dordoni, the designer who cultivated the luxury of common sense
Wallpaper*
Obituary honoring Dordoni’s impact on Italian design.
Link: In Memoriam: Rodolfo Dordoni (1954 – 2023)
Domus
Republishing of a past interview to commemorate Dordoni’s contributions. Link: When Domus met Rodolfo Dordoni (1954 – 2023)
IFDM
Tribute article highlighting Dordoni’s refined and elegant style.
Link: Goodbye Rodolfo Dordoni
MOHD Magazine
Farewell piece discussing Dordoni’s influence on Italian design. Link: Farewell to Rodolfo Dordoni, the renowned Milanese architect and designer
Minotti
Launch of the 2022 Collection featuring designs by Dordoni.
Link: On air the new advertising campaign for the 2022 Collection (Minotti)
Archiproducts
Coverage of the Archiproducts Design Awards 2022, recognizing Dordoni’s work.
Link: Archiproducts Design Awards 2022 – Rodolfo Dordoni, Minotti Alessio (Minotti)
Elle Decor India
Interview discussing Dordoni’s design journey and philosophy.
Link: In conversation with Italian architect Rodolfo Dordoni
STIRpad
Announcement of Minotti’s 2021 Collection, highlighting Dordoni’s contributions.
Link: Minotti launches the 2021 Collection (STIRpad)
Minotti
Introduction of the 2020 Collection, coordinated by Dordoni.
Link: Minotti launches the new 2020 Collection
Domus
Interview exploring Dordoni’s approach to design and his collaborations. Link: When Domus met Rodolfo Dordoni (1954–2023)
Archiproducts
Presentation of the Andersen Bed Quilt, designed by Dordoni for Minotti. Link: Andersen Bed Quilt & designer furniture (Architonic)
Archiproducts
Introduction of the Plaza Rectangular teak garden table by Roda, designed by Dordoni.
Link: Plaza Rectangular teak garden table By Roda (Archiproducts)
Archiproducts
Overview of the Dibbets Frame rug collection by Minotti, designed by Dordoni.
Link: Dibbets Frame – Rugs from Minotti (Architonic)
Archiproducts
Presentation of the Merkurio Double bed by Flou, designed by Dordoni.
Link: Merkurio Double bed By Flou, design Rodolfo Dordoni
Throughout his illustrious career, Rodolfo Dordoni was more than just a designer, he was a visionary collaborator. Renowned for his refined elegance and timeless aesthetic, Dordoni became a creative partner to some of the most prestigious brands in the world of design, furniture, lighting, and architecture.
His collaborations were built on mutual trust, long-term vision, and a shared commitment to excellence. Whether as a product designer, artistic director, or consultant, Dordoni’s ability to interpret a brand’s identity and translate it into cohesive, sophisticated collections set him apart in the industry.
From iconic Italian names to global design leaders, each partnership reflects Dordoni’s signature style, understated yet powerful, contemporary yet enduring. These collaborations not only shaped the brands he worked with but also left a lasting mark on international design culture.
Renowned for innovative lighting solutions, Dordoni contributed to Artemide’s design portfolio.
Artemide Official Website
Dordoni served as Art Director from 1979 to 1989, shaping the brand’s identity and product lines.
Cappellini – Rodolfo Dordoni & Giulio Cappellini
Collaborated on various furniture designs, contributing to Cassina’s contemporary collections.
Cassina – Rodolfo Dordoni Biography
Worked on glass furniture designs, blending innovation with craftsmanship.
Fiam Italia Official Website
Designed iconic lighting pieces, including the “Ray” lamp family.
Flos Official Website
Contributed to the brand’s lighting collections, known for their artistic expression.
Foscarini Official Website
Collaborated on outdoor furniture collections like “Bitta,” “Molo,” and “Boma,” emphasizing timeless elegance and functionality.
Kettal – Tribute to Rodolfo Dordoni
Designed kitchenware products, including the innovative “Foodwear” pot series.
KnIndustrie Official Website
Served as Art Director from 1998, leading the brand’s creative direction and designing numerous collections.
Minotti – Rodolfo Dordoni
Developed comprehensive collections for dining and night systems, integrating hidden high-technology features.
Molteni&C – Rodolfo Dordoni
Contributed to seating designs, enhancing Moroso’s contemporary furniture offerings.
Moroso Official Website
Collaborated on furniture pieces that reflect the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and design.
Poltrona Frau – Rodolfo Dordoni
Began collaboration in 2005, contributing to outdoor furniture collections and serving as Art Director.
Roda – Rodolfo Dordoni
Worked on glass design projects, including vases and lighting, starting from 1995.
Venini – Rodolfo Dordoni
Collaborated on furniture designs, contributing to Zanotta’s innovative product range.
Zanotta – Rodolfo Dordoni
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