Born in Milan in 1935, Mario Bellini graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic in 1959, and set up practice as an architect in the early sixties.

His work ranges from urban design and architecture to furnishing and industrial products. Renowned as designer, in 1963 he began his relationship with Olivetti in charge of industrial design, and went on to work with other companies both in Italy and abroad, amongst which Cassina. His most well-known work includes the Portello buildings for the Milan Fair, the conference centre of Villa Erba at Como, the extension of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and of the International Fair of Essen.