Joe Colombo 50th anniversary of his death

On July 30, 1971, half a century ago, Cesare "Joe" Colombo never returned from his walk. The Designer and architect was suddenly and unexpectedly torn from life on his 41st birthday. Born in Milan, he left behind his modern and sophisticated buildings and striking design objects. Above all the mobile storage "Boby", the "Multichair", both from 1970, the shelving module "Ring" and the seat cushion "Crossed", both from 1963. Colombo used his private rooms as Showroom. This is where he tried out his designs and put them to the best possible practical test. B—Line has reissued some of Colombo's design classics at the end of the 20th century.

With "Ring", for example, a single, cuboid basic element made of metal and wood can be multiplied and expanded to create a decorative shelving system. Additional castors give the shelving unit unusual mobility. A completely new approach in the age of built-in cupboards and wooden cupboard walls. The armchair "Multichair" and "Tube Chair" follow exactly the same principle with practically limitless possibilities for use. Colombo saw the living space of the future not as a permanently installed, immobile backdrop but as a multifunctional, interactive unit that adapts to the individual needs of changing residents. In addition to Colombo's own apartment from 1970, it is above all the room installation "Visiona 1" at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1969 that brings Joe Colombo's visionary utopias to life. According to Colombo, the need to live in a metropolitan area such as a large city will become less important in the future, as will classic furnishings, as the living space of the future will simply be everywhere.

Colombo loved life and enjoyed it to the full: good food, fast cars, fine clothes - the Designer developed a penchant for all of these. In winter, he could be found skiing in the mountains with friends. In Milan, he spent his evenings playing jazz music and his nights in jazz clubs. Colombo was a true all-rounder, mixing fantastic cocktails that his companions described as legendary. Not forgetting the tobacco pipe. A moralizing symbol of intemperance or vanity in painting, it became his trademark. During his lifetime, his reputation as a bon vivant preceded him and Joe Colombo could undoubtedly have been described as a dandy, a virtuoso of the art of living and lifestyle.

Cesare "Joe" Colombo left this planet 50 years ago - today we would like to remember him. With his legendary designs from the TAGWERC Design STORE, he will live on forever.