di Effe Perfect Wellness
Rodolfo Dordoni was one of the most influential figures in the field of contemporary design, with a portfolio that ranged from architecture and interiors to industrial design.
Born in Milan in 1954, Dordoni passed away prematurely in 2023. He graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico of Milan, which is renowned for shaping many of the most brilliant minds in the world of design and architecture.
This strong academic foundation served him well throughout his extraordinary career. After completing his studies, he began working with several architecture firms and design studios, where his natural talent for blending form and function quickly emerged.
In the Eighties, his very personal style came to the attention of a number of prestigious brands, leading to a diverse range of projects and partnerships.
What sets Dordoni’s style apart is the perfect balance he achieves between elegance and simplicity. His creations are renowned for their clean lines, top-quality materials and an almost obsessive attention to detail. The influence of Milanese modernism is apparent in his work, as is an approach which strives for harmony between space, light and materials.
Rodolfo Dordoni left an indelible mark on the world of design, thanks to his brilliant creations which merged elegance, functionality and sophistication. His work ranged from furniture design to high-profile interior design and commercial projects.
Dordoni was a master at creating harmonious and timeless spaces, whose minimal and sophisticated style met modern-day needs.
His high-profile commercial projects included showrooms (Minotti), boutiques (Minotti’s flagship store in New York, the Molteni&C boutique) and luxury hotels, where his attention to detail and exclusive use of the finest materials created unique, unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Over the course of his career, Dordoni worked with some of the most prestigious names on the global design scene, including Minotti, Flos, Artemide, Molteni&C, Foscarini, Fantini, Emu and Effe.
These partnerships have given us some of the most iconic products of our time that still set the standards of contemporary design.
Dordoni was appointed artistic director of Minotti, for example, overseeing the creation of some highly innovative and sophisticated collections.
The success of the partnership between Rodolfo Dordoni and Effe is down to their shared vision for excellence and innovation.
Effe, a leading brand in the sauna and wellness sector, found in Dordoni the ideal partner to introduce a new concept of wellbeing into the home.
Together they brought to life the collections “BodyLove”, “Aladdin” and “Cabanon”, combining the sauna and Turkish bath with a minimal, sophisticated design. These products are not only the expression of Dordoni’s distinctive aesthetic, but also his talent for seamlessly integrating technology with functionality.
Rodolfo Dordoni had a profound impact on contemporary design, thanks to his ability to merge form with function in timeless pieces. His work took the standards of design elegance and sophistication to a new level, especially in furniture and lighting.
He elevated the concept of comfort without sacrificing modern appeal, introducing clean lines, perfectly balanced proportions and luxury materials. He became a global ambassador of Italian design excellence, combining craftsmanship with technological innovation. His creations, recipients of many international awards, reflect a stylistic language which is still relevant and influential on the landscape of contemporary design.
Rodolfo Dordoni’s influence on contemporary design is undeniable. His ability to craft products which are both beautiful and practical have made him an inspiration for designers and architects worldwide.
His works are displayed at international fairs and museums and his approach has inspired a new generation of design professionals.
Dordoni received countless awards and commendations over his lifetime, some of the most prestigious being the 2011 National Innovation Award (Dordoni Architetti firm), an Honourable Mention at the 23rd Compasso d’Oro 2014 awards which celebrate the best in Italian design and, more recently, the Archiproducts Design Awards 2022.
These awards are not only a testament to his technical skill but to his innovative vision and his commitment to setting new industry standards.
Rodolfo Dordoni left an indelible mark on the world of design. His work successfully blended tradition and innovation and is a true celebration of form and function.
Architect and designer Rodolfo Dordoni was one of the greatest figures of contemporary Italian design. He was renowned for the enduring, sophisticated style of his furniture and accessories which seamlessly merge elegance, innovation and functionality. His work stands out for its attention to detail, intelligent use of materials and an aesthetic that combines elements of the old and the new. Explore the world of Rodolfo Dordoni, with its clean lines, impeccable proportions and design of the highest quality. Be inspired by the talent and pure genius of this Italian designer!
If our readers are keen to know more, we suggest you browse his projects and visit the Effe website, where you can read about our partnership that defined a new concept of wellness in the home.
Cabanon: Inspired by Le Corbusier’s "Cabanon", this home sauna has a minimalist aesthetic, with external corrugated aluminium walls in three matte colours (moss, brick and cement) which blend effortlessly into their surroundings.
This feature makes Cabanon a highly versatile product, as it can be installed in any environment, from the northernmost locations to the Mediterranean, and is also suitable for city living around the globe.
The interiors are in heat-treated aspen, offering an authentic and comfortable sauna experience.
BodyLove: Designed in partnership with Michele Angelini, this modular solution features a sauna, Hammam and shower all in one. BodyLove is available in different configurations including:
The interiors can be clad with tiles for a custom finish. A number of different options are available for positioning and orienting the access doors to the two spaces, creating a highly personalised spa area. And with BodyLove the choice of materials and combinations is endless.
Aladdin: More and more people are incorporating personal spas into their living spaces, so Dordoni designed the Aladdin sauna with Michele Angelini to meet this need. Magically suspended, Aladdin is a study in weightlessness, with its different elements appearing to float in the space.
The standout features of the sauna are the mirrored fascia which runs around the base and the anodised aluminium detail on the heater and exterior frame. The reflections created by these luxurious surfaces ensure continuity with the surroundings.
A platform covered in grès porcelain, which looks a bit like a flying carpet, can be installed inside, allowing the sauna to blend in with even the most sophisticated living areas, giving it a light and airy feeling.
Inside, a bench made with just two pieces of wood offers maximum comfort thanks to its softly rounded edges.
The heater, the heart of every sauna, is clad in anodised aluminium, a detail which is reproduced on the exterior frame.
These products are a testament to Rodolfo Dordoni’s talent for crafting wellness spaces that seamlessly combine a modern aesthetic with functionality, offering a bespoke wellbeing experience in the comfort of your own home.
