Angelo Mangiarotti. When Structures Take Shape

This choral narrative is the result of studies conducted since the hundredyear anniversary of Angelo Mangiarotti’s birth, which attempt to replicate the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of this intellectual, capable of embracing multiple fields in his work, while maintaining a consistent design and spirit of experimentation.

The exhibition layout is curated by Studio Ottavio Di Blasi & Partners with the participation of Renzo Piano. The experimental feel typical of Angelo Mangiarotti’s studio-workshop is achieved by a series of panels, platforms and tables, in addition to large photographic prints, models, prototypes, products and sketches.

The large work surfaces, also in natural basswood, are distinguished by the presence of a raised central island used to display the models. They appear to float in mid-air as the load-bearing metal structure has been set back, while a perimeter frame incorporates the lighting system and supports the horizontal protective glazing.

Some of these very same projects are on show at Triennale Milano, in the form of documents, sketches and prototypes borrowed, among others, from the UniFor Archives, from the Molteni&C Archives, from the permanent collection of Triennale Milano and from Fondazione Angelo Mangiarotti.

The exhibition is accompanied by a video production, entitled “Un Angelo su Milano: Mangiarotti e la città” (An Angel over Milan: Mangiarotti and the city), curator Fulvio Irace, director by Francesca Molteni, produced by Muse Factory of Projects in collaboration with Fondazione Angelo Mangiarotti and promoted by Molteni Group. The short film provides a synthesis of Mangiarotti’s technical and artistic contribution to the city of Milan.

The narrative is punctuated by the architect’s speeches, in a succession of themes from the 1950s until today. In conjunction with the scheduled exhibition, Molteni Museum will be offering an insight dedicated to the relationship between the companies in Molteni Group and Angelo Mangiarotti which is set to take place between 2 March and 30 September 2023.

UniFor’s involvement in creating the “Angelo Mangiarotti. When Structures Take Shape” exhibition is part of the brand’s commitment to design culture, a commitment which has meant its involvement - from the onset - in the temporary exhibition sector, not just in its capacity as exhibition display manufacturer, but as an active promoter of Italy’s historical cultural design heritage.