The History of De Pas, D'Urbino, and Lomazzi: Icons of Italian Design

The history of design, both vintage and contemporary, is rich with collaborations formed as duos or trios. A quintessential example is the partnership of Italian architects and designers Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi. This trio became emblematic of the golden age of Italian design in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly within the anti-design movement. Their architecture and design studio created iconic furniture pieces that have become symbols of pop culture. This article revisits their career and celebrated creations, many of which are displayed in the collections of the world's most famous museums.

Early Career and Formation

Jonathan De Pas (1932–1991), Donato D'Urbino (1935), and Paolo Lomazzi (1936) met during their studies at the Milan Polytechnic. Upon graduating, they founded their design studio, De Pas, D'Urbino & Lomazzi, in 1966. Although their work extended to architecture, urban development, and industrial design, it is their innovative furniture creations that gained them international acclaim.

Iconic Designs

Joe Armchair

One of their most famous pieces is the Joe Armchair (1968–1970), a giant baseball glove sofa named after legendary American player Joe DiMaggio. Made from molded polyurethane foam, this piece became a playful and cultural symbol of the 1960s, reflecting the trio’s ability to blend popular culture with high-quality design.

Blow Armchair

In 1967, the team introduced the Blow Armchair, the first mass-produced inflatable chair. Constructed from transparent PVC, it epitomized the playful, lightweight, and colorful aesthetic of the 1960s. Blow captured the spirit of the anti-design movement, emphasizing originality and accessibility.

Sciangai Coat Rack

Designed in 1973 for Zanotta, the Sciangai Coat Rack draws inspiration from the Mikado game. Made from solid wood, its simple yet playful design blends functionality with creativity, marking another milestone in the trio’s career.

Fante Table Lamp

The Fante Table Lamp (1978) for Stilnovo showcases a refined yet whimsical approach. Its wide-brimmed hat-like reflector allows users to direct light flexibly, adding a dynamic element to its aesthetic.

Influence of Anti-Design

The designs of De Pas, D'Urbino, and Lomazzi emerged during a time when the minimalist ideals of Bauhaus and International Style were being challenged. The anti-design movement sought to inject social and cultural relevance into design, often embracing bold colors, unconventional shapes, and new materials like plastic and Formica. Their creations embodied this ethos, often emphasizing modularity, playfulness, and ephemerality.

Legacy and Continued Inspiration

The trio’s works, such as the Chica Children’s Chair (1971) and Galeotta Armchair (1968), further demonstrate their commitment to creating innovative, flexible, and accessible designs. Their ability to merge the principles of radical design with practical applications has left an indelible mark on the history of design.

Today, De Pas, D'Urbino, and Lomazzi’s creations remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to inspire designers worldwide. Their playful yet sophisticated approach to design encapsulates the vibrancy and innovation of mid-20th century Italian design.

Written by François Boutard