Franco Albini, born in Robbiate (Como) in 1905, was a major figure in the Rationalist Movement, excelling in architectural, furniture, industrial and museum design.

A spokesman on the Italian cultural scene, his collaboration with Cassina started in the 1940's with chair designs that paved the way for his signature style. In all his work, from home furnishings to industrial and museum design projects, Franco Albini always instilled a logical consistency, an extreme purity of expression and exceptional ethical and historical integrity.

He planned the development of Milan's Line 1 subway stations (1962/63) in collaboration with graphic designer Bob Noorda. His numerous urban development and building projects for Genoa include the Palazzo Bianco (1949/51), Palazzo Rosso (1952/62), and Tesoro di San Lorenzo (1952/56) museums.