Giancarlo Piretti created a one-of-a-kind folding chair he called “Plia.” The Plia, created in 1969, is the ultimate folding chair. It is more than just a chair that can be folded. It is reasonably priced, takes up little room, has a visible folding mechanism, and can be used inside and outside. A hinge with three metal discs serves as the chair’s main structural component. These are a part of the backrest and front support, seat, and rear support, which are made up of two rectangular frames and one U-shaped hoop. The ideal mechanism allows the chair to stack when folded, in addition to folding these three parts into a single small unit with a maximum thickness of just 5 centimetres.
Piretti’s Plia chair, one of the most inventive folding chairs ever, changed the course of design history. Isa Vercelloni, the Grand Dame of Italian design, was one of many contemporaries who viewed this design as “a product predestined to stand as the image of an era.” It doesn’t appear that this is being overstated. The Plia folding chair achieves a Pop Art character of downright pictographic precision thanks to the rounded edges and corners, the round, concave seating hollow, and last but not least, the material selection (polished aluminium frame, transparent plastic). It is noteworthy that the official emblems serve structural and functional purposes throughout rather than any overt decorative ones.
The design of this piece is a testament to the seamless integration of form and function. The use of rounded edges and corners not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose in ensuring safety and comfort for its users. The concave seating hollow provides a unique seating experience that is both comfortable and ergonomic. The material selection of a polished aluminium frame and transparent plastic adds to the overall sleekness of the design while also ensuring durability and longevity. What sets this art piece apart is its use of official emblems as structural and functional elements rather than mere decorative ones. This attention to detail speaks volumes about the thoughtfulness and precision that went into its creation. Overall, this art piece is a true masterpiece that combines form, function, and aesthetics in perfect harmony.
Sources
Albus, V. (2000, April 1). Icons of Design. In The 20th Century.
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