Ugo La Pietra, born in 1938 and a graduate of the Polytechnic in Milan, is a radical designer and artist who defies labels and conventions in Italy. He possesses a remarkable ability to work across various disciplines, including urban ethnography, architecture, and design, and consistently explores the complex relationship between humans and the spaces they inhabit, whether virtual, urban, or natural.

During the 1960s, La Pietra made significant contributions to radical design, introducing original concepts and theories. One of his notable breakthroughs was the De-balancing System, which challenged conventional design norms and perceptions, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in the field of design. His intellectual and creative contributions during this era have had a lasting impact and continue to inspire new perspectives in the design world.

In 1973, La Pietra played a crucial role as a founding member of Global Tools, a groundbreaking collective that brought together architects, designers, and radical artists in innovative collaboration. In this context, he collaborated with notable figures such as Ettore Sottsass and Andrea Branzi, contributing to the group's visionary initiatives.

Beyond collective efforts, La Pietra also directed and made significant contributions to various magazines, further establishing himself as a multi-faceted artist and intellectual. Through his editorial endeavors, he continued to explore and share his unique perspectives on architecture, design, and cultural phenomena.

La Pietra's involvement in Global Tools and his contributions to diverse publications demonstrate his enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional thinking within the realms of art, design, and cultural discourse. His work has left a significant mark on the design world, inspiring new generations of artists and designers to explore and question the boundaries of their disciplines.