Alessandro Mendini has played a central role in the development of Italian design in the 1970s and 80s, and was dedicated to the development of Italy's avant-garde movement. He studied architecture at the Milan Polytechnic and became the editor of Casabella magazine until 1977, and then publisher of Domus, one of the world's most influential architecture journals until 1985. His work includes architecture, furniture and objects, all characterised by his wit and interest in design theory.