Joe Colombo studied at the Polytechnic of Milan and the Brera Art Academy. After an important, albeit brief, escapade with informal painting, he decided to devote himself entirely to design and architecture. In 1954, he participated in an exhibition at the 10th Triennale, and in 1956 his first architectural project was completed in Milan, in via Rosolino Pilo.

A precursor of the study of ergonomic design, he developed unique products with a dynamic sculptural appearance.

Many of his objects are considered milestones of design and are part of the collections of the world’s most important museums, such as the MoMa and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.