Design Classic – Influential and important design
Sofa
- Designer: Michelle de Lucchi
- Material: PVC shade and table forks
- Manufacturer: Produzione Privata, Italy
Produzione Privata was an experimental range that produced objects from the combination and assembly of simple, pre-existing components. This was created as a limited-edition collection of artifacts from Michele de Lucchi’s studio, Italy’s most well-known designer.
With his work with Studio Alchimia and, more famously, the Memphis group under Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s, de Lucchi established himself as a significant international designer. During this time, he worked as an industrial designer for several high-profile Italian companies, including Kartell, Artemide, and Olivetti, balancing his work on experimental but essentially one-off items.
With the Treforchette Table Lamp, Produzione Privata returned to more intimate and small-scale explorations, reflecting de Lucchi’s fascination with the concept of the found object in the twentieth century. Marcel Duchamp, who showed wine racks and urinals as artworks in the 1920s, pioneered this notion. Michele de Lucchi was looking for a new approach in his Treforchette design, which unexpectedly assembles commonplace objects. He built the shade out of a simple circle of PVC held by two “ready-made” metal cutlery forks. He aimed to rediscover the possibilities of the ordinary and every day in this way.
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
McDermott, C. (1997). Twentieth-century design. Carlton.
More on Industrial Design
-
The Art of Seating: Exploring 1920s Chair Design
The 1920s saw a revolution in chair design, from modernist simplicity to luxurious Art Deco. Innovations in materials and techniques defined the era’s iconic chairs.Read More →
-
Isho-Dansu Japanese Furniture for Clothes
The Meiji era Isho-Dansu, a Japanese chest, blends artistry and utility, with keyaki wood and intricate iron hardware, symbolizing cultural heritage.Read More →
-
Denham McLauren: Mastering Modernism in British Furniture Design
Denham McLauren, a trailblazing British furniture designer, seamlessly integrated traditional craftsmanship with modernist elements. His innovative use of materials and artistic vision remains influential today.Read More →
-
The Herter Brothers and Their Mark on the Gilded Age of American Design
The Herter Brothers, pioneers of American decorative arts, shaped the opulent Gilded Age aesthetic through integrated interior design and influential commissions. Their legacy persists in museums and modern design.Read More →
-
Gianfranco Frattini: A Master of Modern Italian Design
Gianfranco Frattini (1926-) was a key figure in Italian design, known for his contributions to architecture and industrial design, leaving a lasting impact.Read More →
-
Introduction to Philippe Tabet: A Connoisseur of Material and Form
Philippe Tabet, a renowned artisan, bridges traditional craftsmanship with industrial innovation in design, showcasing a deep connection to materials and numerous prestigious awards.Read More →
-
Achille Castiglioni: Master of Light and Form in Modern Design
Achille Castiglioni, an iconic figure in modern design, created inventive, playful, and functional designs celebrated for their timeless appeal and influence on the design world.Read More →
-
Utility Furniture: A Testament to Wartime Innovation and Simplicity
The Utility Furniture Scheme, developed during WW2 scarcity, focused on functional, durable, and simple designs. It had a profound impact on British furniture industry.Read More →
-
Adelmo Rascaroli: Bridging the Past and Present in Italian Design
Adelmo Rascaroli, an influential Italian architect and designer, made significant contributions to 20th-century design, particularly in furniture. His work reflects Italian craftsmanship and innovation.Read More →
-
Wilhelm Kienzle: Mastering Minimalism and Functionality through the Iconic Safari Chair
Wilhelm Kienzle, a pioneering Swiss designer of the 20th century, is renowned for his iconic safari chairs, reflecting minimalism, functionality, and enduring craftsmanship.Read More →
-
Joris Laarman: Sculpting the Future with Technology and Design
Joris Laarman, a Dutch designer, merges art, technology, and design in innovative ways, pushing the boundaries with digital technologies and futuristic creations.Read More →
-
Elegance Reclined: The Timeless Journey of the Chaise Longue in Design
The chaise longue, or “long chair,” embodies aesthetics, function, and comfort. Its rich history and evolution reflect timeless design and enduring appeal.Read More →
-
Crafting Elegance in Everyday: The Artistry of Monika Mulder
Monika Mulder, a Dutch furniture designer, draws inspiration from nature, creating playful yet functional designs and receiving international acclaim for her work.Read More →
-
Paul T. Frankl: The Architect of American Modernism and the Skyscraper Style
Paul T. Frankl, an Austrian-born designer, pioneered American modernism with his iconic Skyscraper style furniture, founding AUDAC, and embracing innovation in design. Read More →
-
The 40/4 Chair: A Masterpiece of Applied and Decorative Arts
The 40/4 chair, designed by David Rowland in 1964, revolutionized stackable seating with efficient, space-saving design and versatile adaptations, leaving a lasting design legacy.Read More →
-
Niels Gammelgaard: Master of Minimalism and Functionality in Danish Design
Niels Gammelgaard, a Danish design icon, left an enduring legacy with his simple, practical creations. His diverse collaborations and products shape modern design principles.Read More →
-
Filipe Alarcão: Merging Tradition and Innovation in Portuguese Design
Filipe Alarcão, a prominent Portuguese designer, bridges traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation through his versatile work, recognized for material exploration, sustainability, and influential public spaces.Read More →
-
The Jason Chair by Carl Jacobs
The innovative Jason Chair, designed by Carl Jacobs in 1950, features a single piece of interlocking plywood, minimalist design, and versatile appeal. A design classic.Read More →
-
The Ulmer Hocker 1954 by Max Bill
The Ulmer Hocker, designed by Max Bill in 1954, embodies functionalism and geometric formalism, serving as a stool, table, and storage. It reflects Bauhaus principles.Read More →
-
The Timeless Elegance of the Nelson Platform Bench: A Fusion of Form and Function
The Nelson Platform Bench, designed by George Nelson, embodies timeless beauty and utility, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and versatility that transcend generations and design principles.Read More →
-
Charles Wilson: The Symphony of Form, Function, and Nature in Australian Design
Charles Wilson, a Sydney-based designer rooted in rural New South Wales, creates functional art honoring natural materials. His designs blend beauty and innovation.Read More →
-
The Art of the Curious: Marc Newson’s Cabinet of Curiosities for Louis Vuitton
Australian designer Marc Newson collaborates with Louis Vuitton to create a modern Cabinet of Curiosities, redefining luxury storage and personal expression. The project honors historical cabinets of curiosities.Read More →
-
The Vermelha Chair: A Symbol of Chaos and Craftsmanship
The Vermelha chair by Fernando and Humberto Campana symbolizes innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. It challenges norms and blends traditional Brazilian weaving with contemporary design.Read More →
-
The Bodice Rocker by Splinter Works: A Symphony of Design, Comfort, and Illusion
Splinter Works introduces the Bodice Rocker, a sculptural chaise-longue challenging perceptions of balance and comfort. Customizable and defying gravity, it’s a fusion of art and functionality.Read More →
-
Mingyu Xu: A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation in Furniture Design
Mingyu Xu Studio combines traditional bamboo weaving with modern design, emphasizing sustainability. Xu’s journey and accolades shape a unique, culturally-informed legacy in furniture design.Read More →
-
The Enduring Legacy of the Panthella Table Lamp
The Panthella 400 Table Lamp, designed by Verner Panton in 1971, embodies futuristic design, balance, unity, and space interaction, enriching spaces with its enduring appeal and influence.Read More →
-
Discover the Comfort and Style of the Aura Reclining Chair
The Aura Reclining Chair from Himolla Polstermöbel blends comfort, functionality, and design elegance. It offers a customizable haven of relaxation with versatile features and durable quality.Read More →
-
The Partners’ Desk: A Confluence of Functionality and Aesthetic
The partners’ desk, a testament to design ingenuity from the 18th century, embodies functionality and aesthetic beauty, reflecting collaboration and enduring appeal.Read More →
-
Ernő Goldfinger: A Pillar of Modernist Design
Ernö Goldfinger, born in Budapest in 1902, shaped modernist architecture through iconic designs like the Trellick Tower and innovative furniture pieces.Read More →
-
The Isla Dining Chair: A Masterpiece of Modern Design
The Isla Dining Chair by Poly & Bark harmoniously blends form and function, drawing inspiration from historical design evolution, offering durability, comfort, and versatility.Read More →
-
Journey of Joseph Lluscà Spanish Designer
Josep Lluscà, a versatile and innovative designer, harmonizes historical influences with contemporary design, creating iconic furniture and lighting pieces. His legacy spans awards, education, and advocacy.Read More →
-
The Revolutionary Lola Chair: A Synthesis of Design, Comfort, and Sustainability
The Lola Chair emerges as a beacon of innovation in the realm of interior design, marking a significant milestone for Scandinavian Spaces. Designed by theRead More →
-
The Legacy of Robert Oerley: A Beacon of Art Nouveau
Robert Oerley, an influential figure in the Art Nouveau movement, left a lasting legacy through his innovative designs and architectural contributions.Read More →
-
Cox & Co: Pioneering Tubular Steel Furniture in Britain
Cox & Co. shifted from automotive to tubular steel furniture, collaborating with designers and securing prestigious contracts, leaving a lasting modernist legacy.Read More →
-
Roald Steen Hansen: A Confluence of Danish Design and Craftsmanship
Roald Steen Hansen: A Danish design icon known for timeless furniture, exhibitions in Munich and Viborg, and numerous accolades and awards worldwide.Read More →
-
Antoni Gaudí – A Maestro of Chair Design
Antoni Gaudí’s revolutionary furniture designs, such as the Calvet armchair and Batlló chair, unite form, function, and aesthetics in innovative ergonomic masterpieces.Read More →
-
Interlübke: A Legacy of German Furniture Craftsmanship
Interlübke, a leading German furniture brand, was saved by the innovative ‘endless cupboard’ in the 1960s and continues to thrive through collaboration and adaptation.Read More →
-
The Elegance of Innovation: Exploring Diego Mattu’s Timeless Design Legacy
Diego Mattu, an influential Italian designer, created the iconic “Malù” modular sofa set in the 1960s, showcasing his versatile talent and innovative contributions.Read More →
-
Art Deco Furniture: The French Designers – A Gateway to Elegance and Innovation
“Art Deco Furniture: The French Designers” by Alastair Duncan offers a visual journey through the influential movement, showcasing the works of French designers.Read More →
-
André Verroken – A Symphony of Absurd Logic and Functional Artistry
André Verroken, an award-winning designer, challenges traditional perceptions with his furniture designs, embodying utility and aesthetic appeal through a philosophical approach.Read More →
-
Alvar Aalto’s Model No. 41 Lounge Chair”
Alvar Aalto’s “Model No. 41” lounge chair, designed between 1929 and 1933 for the Paimio Sanatorium, exemplifies his commitment to humanizing modernism through innovative wood forms and restorative design.Read More →
-
The KANDEM Lamp by Marianne Brandt and Hin Bredendieck
The vintage KANDEM Lamp by Marianne Brandt and Hin Bredendieck epitomizes Bauhaus design, blending functionality and aesthetics in a timeless, collectible piece.Read More →
-
The Artistry and Innovation of Poltrona Frau: A Century-Long Legacy
Founded in 1912 in Turin, Italy, Poltrona Frau is renowned for luxury furniture and leather craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation globally.Read More →
-
Louis Bigaux: A Confluence of Art and Design
Louis Bigaux, a prominent French architect and designer, revolutionised decorative arts in the 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and influence.Read More →
-
Paolo Deganello: Pioneering Radical Design
Paolo Deganello, a key figure in radical architecture and design, reshaped Italian design through innovative furniture and collaborations, leaving a lasting legacy.Read More →
-
Toshiyuki Kita “Wink” Multifuntional Recliner Cassina Italy 1980
Toshiyuki Kita’s “Wink” armchair by Cassina is a versatile celebration of comfort and style, blending ergonomic design with personalized aesthetics.Read More →
-
BIFMA: Ensuring Excellence in Office Furniture
BIFMA sets voluntary office furniture standards, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and durability. Compliant products promise peace of mind, fewer injuries, and improved productivity.Read More →
-
Discover the Alfi Chair: A Testament to Sustainable Design by Jasper Morrison
The Alfi Chair by Jasper Morrison is a sustainable and stylish choice, crafted from reclaimed materials with a focus on comfort and durability.Read More →
-
Illuminating Elegance: The Aalto Pendant Light A440
The Aalto Pendant Light A440, a minimalist masterpiece designed by Alvar Aalto in 1954, embodies elegance and functionality with hand-blown opal glass.Read More →
-
Celebrating Iconic Design: The Supermoda Stripes Sofa by Andrea Branzi
The Supermoda Stripes Sofa, born from 1960s innovation, reimagined by Andrea Branzi, offers playful versatility and contemporary flair, inviting flexible living.Read More →
You may also be interested in
Sofa (1988) Designer: Jasper Morrison – Encyclopedia of Design
Design Classic – Influential and important design Designer: Jasper Morrison Material: wool upholstery and wood frame Manufacturer: Sheridan Coakley Products, London England Morrison earned his bachelor’s degree from Kingston University in 1982 before enrolling in the Royal College of Art in London. In 1987, he established his own design firm.
The Moka Express (Design Classic) – simple coffee making machine – Encyclopedia of Design
Designed by Ezio Grassi The Moka Express is a straightforward stovetop coffee maker. It unscrews in the centre, and water is poured into the bottom compartment. Coffee is poured into the centre compartment and then heated until boiling water. Superheated steam is forced up through the coffee grounds freshly brewed coffee collects in the top chamber.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.