The Paulistano Chair, designed in 1957 by Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, exemplifies the principles of modernist design through its simplicity and functionality. Originally created for the Athletic Club of São Paulo, the chair features a continuous 17-foot steel tubing bent into a seamless frame supporting a removable leather or canvas cover. (MoMA)
This innovative construction allows the chair to flex slightly, providing comfort and accommodating various seating positions. The design’s minimalism and elegance have earned it a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. (MoMA)
In 1986, the Paulistano Chair received the inaugural Design MCB Award, recognizing its significance in Brazilian design history. It is also part of the Museu da Casa Brasileira’s permanent collection in São Paulo, displayed in the “Remains of the Atlantic Forest & MCB Collection” exhibition. (Google Arts & Culture)
The chair’s design reflects the modernist emphasis on form following function, with its unadorned structure and focus on user comfort. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend seamlessly into various interior settings while maintaining a distinct presence.
For those interested in experiencing this iconic piece, the Paulistano Chair is still in production and available through select retailers, such as Objekto. (Objekto)
The Paulistano Chair is a testament to Paulo Mendes da Rocha’s innovative approach to design, merging structural ingenuity with aesthetic simplicity.
Sources
Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Paulistano chair – paulo Mendes da Rocha – GOOGLE Arts & culture. Google. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/paulistano-chair-paulo-mendes-da-rocha/dAEMe-5QofE5pg.
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