From bollards to shutters, Centolire Multitools documents Milan’s financial district through metal details and architecture. The limited-edition book by Luca A. Caizzi brings a contemporary twist to photography through a material-driven approach
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring an image of QuadroDesign’s Centolire Multitools
Milan has no shortage of iconic landmarks, but around the streets of Pizza Affari it’s metal that takes centre stage. Shutters, gates and more are the focus in Centolire Multitools, a new photographic book by Luca A. Caizzi that documents the city’s financial district through its shiny material surfaces.
The 464-page tome is designed by Nicolò Oriani and Riccardo Savioli, and published in Milan by Paolo Nava Studio. Limited to just 100 copies, Centolire Multitools comes in an edgy, custom case by Martino Bizzanelli, making it a true collector’s piece. Crafted from AISI 316L stainless steel, the case is brushed on the exterior and left untreated inside.
The project is produced in collaboration with QuadroDesign, whose expertise in steel manufacturing mirrors Caizzi’s material-led approach. Founded in 2001 on the shores of Lake Orta, the studio – led by siblings Enrico and Elena Magistro – has long supported contemporary design and research-led creative practice, making Centolire Multitools a natural fit.
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring Centolire Multitools
Named after the low-denomination coins once used in Italy, Centolire Multitools focuses on modest elements – think shutters and bollards – that are easily overlooked but essential to the functioning of a city. It is this attention to the everyday that guided Caizzi to Milan’s financial district.
With that in mind, he zeroed in on the area around Palazzo Mezzanotte, which is home to the Italian Stock Exchange. Choosing to work at street level, his images aim to explore how power, access and use are organised in Milan.
The project was developed through repeated visits over time. This method made small variations more legible, from the contrasting metalwork and architectural detail to the signs of everyday life. His work highlights metal as a functional material and reveals how the district operates on a daily basis.
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring a spread from Centolire Multitools
Offering a grounded reading of Milan’s financial centre, the book shines a light on the ordinary parts that make up everyday life. By focusing on metal, Centolire Multitools highlights the gritty, often overlooked components of this neighbourhood, standing in contrast to the city’s more polished, famous landmarks.
In doing so, Caizzi proposes a new way of looking at Milan and cities in general, documenting the beautiful, smaller details that we might easily miss on our daily commute.
The book is published in a limited edition of 100 copies. It is available for purchase through the QuadroDesign shop here
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Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring an image of Centolire Multitools
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring an image of Centolire Multitools
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring a spread from Centolire Multitools
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi feautring the low-denomination coins once used in Italy
Photography by Luca A. Caizzi featuring Centolire Multitools
