Carlo Mollino

Architect and polymath

Carlo Mollino (Turin, 1905–1973) worked across architecture, interiors, furniture, photography and writing. He graduated in architecture in Turin in 1931 after beginning in engineering and training in the office of his father, engineer Eugenio Mollino. Poltrona Frau characterises him as an Italian modern polymath who joined art and technique.

Teaching and design language

Mollino began teaching at the Polytechnic of Turin in 1949 and became professor of architectural composition in 1953. Poltrona Frau places Surrealist elements within his contribution to the Modern Movement and describes an eclectic approach shaped by nature, lightness and dynamism.

Architecture and other disciplines

His projects include the Turin Horse Riding Club, the RAI Auditorium, the Chamber of Commerce and Teatro Regio. His interests also extended to skiing, aviation and motor racing: he wrote a skiing manual, held a pilot's licence and worked on the Bisiluro car that raced at Le Mans in 1955.

For Poltrona Frau

Poltrona Frau links Mollino to the Mollino armchair, a contemporary interpretation of the auditorium seating created for the RAI project.