Juxtaposing sleek curves with angular, geometric shapes, the sophisticated minimalism of Paolo Piva’s furniture made him one of the most significant mid-century modern designers. Using understated, classic materials such as patent leather and glass, he created furniture that is as timeless as the buildings he designed as an internationally renowned architect. Piva’s armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture pieces were built to withstand changing tastes.
Born in 1950 in Adria in northern Italy, Piva pursued his career in design and architecture at the International University of the Arts in Venice under renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. While a student, he also worked with the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna and the Institute of History and Architecture in Venice to create a major exhibition on Viennese architecture during the socialist period.
Gaining notice during his graduate studies in Rome, Piva established himself as an up-and-coming architect. In 1980, he emerged on the international scene with an acclaimed design for the Kuwait Embassy in Qatar, which led to design commissions for buildings and factories across Western Europe. At the same time, Piva began designing furniture that reflected the clean lines and artful forms of his building style. His most popular piece was the Pyramid coffee table, with inverted pyramids supporting a glass top.
A lifelong academic, Piva began teaching at the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in 1988, becoming a full professor in 1991. He also collaborated with top brands, including Poliform, de Sede, B&B Italia, Wittmann and Riva 1920, designing center tables, club chairs and other furniture items. He continued his design pursuits throughout his life, traveling to conferences and exhibitions internationally up until his death in 2017.
Piva gained a nomination for the Compasso d’Oro award in 1987 and was one of the architects selected to design the Science and Technology Park in Vienna in 1995. His work has been exhibited at Galerie Ulysses in Vienna and the Architekturgalerie München in Munich, as well as in the VI Mostra internazionale di Architettura della Biennale di Buenos Aires.
On 1stDibs, delve into the graceful simplicity and elegant geometry of Paolo Piva’s lighting, tables, seating, and other furniture and collectibles.
Giovannetti, 90s contemporary modular leather sofa by S. Giobbi, White, Galassia
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Modular system composed of 15 forms: round, rectilinear, angular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, etc... All freely combining with each other. Wooden frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Fabric, Leather
Giovannetti, '90s Contemporary Modular Fabric Sofa by S. Giobbi, "Galassia"
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Modular system composed of 15 forms: round, rectilinear, angular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, etc... All freely combining with each other. Available in various colors and fabrics. ...
Fabric
Giovannetti, 90s Contemporary Modular Leather Sofa by S. Giobbi, Red "Galassia"
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Modular system composed of 15 forms: round, rectilinear, angular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, etc... All freely combining with each other. Available in various colors and sizes Wo...
Leather, Fabric
1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa Pista Leather Becchi Giovannetti
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A pi...
Leather
Giovannetti Collezioni 21st Century Le Nuvole Sofà Grey NEW designer S. Giobbi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Seat and backrest with wooden structure in multilayers and stell- Seat and backrest padding in polyurethane foam of different layers covered with tissue and synthetic fiber for bette...
Foam, Wood
Giovannetti, Modern 2000s Fabric Sofa by S. Giobbi, Red "Re Sole"
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Re Sole sofa series pays tribute to the star that gives life to everything, that illuminates and marks the days, bringing joy with its rays and its pleasant li...
Fabric, Velvet
Italian Three-Seater Sofa Model Diesis by Antonio Citterio for B&B, 1970s
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern three-seater sofa model Diesis by Antonio Citterio for B&B, 1970s Three-seater sofa model Diesis with armrests, with aluminum structure and padded cushion...
Metal
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" Sofa for Gavina, Camel Velvet, 1970
By Gavina, Cini Boeri
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Cini Boeri “Gradual System” two-seater sofa for Gavina, camel velvet, Italy, 1970 Designed in 1970 for Gavina, the “Gradual System” by Cini Boeri i...
Velvet
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary furniture. Designed by Mario Marenco in 1970, it is still a great classic of Italian design. With this large-rounded cushions sofa, Mario Marenco has combined strength and comfort. In 2007 the Marenco collection won the Wallpaper Design Awards Best Reissues. The Sofa is available in a wide variation of fabrics and leather upholstery. This listing is for a sofa with fabric upholstery. Please ask us about the possibilities. Designed by Mario Marenco (1933-2019) 1957 degree at Naples University. 1957/1960 he gained 5 awards for research at Stockholm and Chicago universities. 1960 he formed the DEWG Studio in Rome : community buildings. 1970 designer for arflex, Artemide, Bernini, B&B, Comfortline 1982 collaboration with FIAT, LANCIA, ALFA ROMEO for display stands. 1985 watches...
Fabric
1970s Italian Sistema 61 Sofa Design by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in London, GB
This vintage, quite rare, Modular sofa its a splendid Iconic expression of the 1970s Italian design. This one in particular "Sistema 61 Modular Sofa" is m...
Metal
Cassina Palmaria Sofa Design Couch Vico Magistretti Zweisitzer
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Design Zweisitzer vom italienischen Traditionshersteller Cassina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Vico Magistretti, ist bekannt unter dem Namen "...
Fabric
3 Seater Sofa made in Italy by Antonello Mosca for Giorgetti, Italian Modern
By Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and sculptural “Maharaja” three-seater sofa designed by Antonello Mosca for Giorgetti, made in Italy. Part of Giorgetti’s celebrated Maharaja collection, this model is know...
Fabric, Wood
