Piva Aluminum & Glass Expandable Dining Table Atavola 20th Century Contemporary

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.

In the studio a bed of smoldering coal lies ready to transform inflexible metal into something malleable. James DeMartis uses the same blacksmithing tools-fire, hammer and anvil, which "haven't changed in thousands of years..." , to facillitate his designs which are anything but archaic. His designs reflect past traditions and techniques, yet his style is contemporary and approach unorthodox. DeMartis makes sculptures of metal and crafts metal (iron, brass, bronze, stainless steel) into practical objects as well. Deliberately changing the nature of the metal by deconstructing it, by melting and distorting it's properties - he creates patterns and textures reminiscent in nature. By using these techniques his work appears delicate and light, with a visual "movement" which belies the materials inherent solidity. In addition to sculpture, DeMartis' custom work consists of chandeliers, railings, drapery rods, gates, coat racks, fireplace accessories, table bases, wine cellars... He incorporates his designs into functional pieces. By observing the beauty of form in artifacts and simple, common objects he enjoys making bases, stands or brackets which elevate, quite literally, the value and presentation of ordinary pieces into art. A diverse number of collectors, designers, architects, home owners and contractors have developed lasting relationships with Mr. DeMartis. Thank you to Joanne Pilgrim at The East Hampton Star for contributing the above paraphrased text.