Swiss architect Mario Botta may be renowned for his impressive postmodern architecture projects such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, but the chairs, lighting and other furniture he created reflect a mastery of geometrically rich forms and an elegant application of simple symmetry.
Born in Mendrisio, Switzerland, in 1943, Botta gained an interest in architecture at an early age. He apprenticed at the architectural firm Carloni and Camenisch and designed his first building — a two-family house at Morbis Superiore in Ticino — at age 16. During the early 1960s, Botta attended the Liceo Artistico in Milan and then studied at the University Institute of Architecture in Venice under art historian Giuseppe Mazzariol and influential Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.
While studying in Venice, Botta worked for Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier — whose career spanned hundreds of architecture projects — and gained inspiration from Estonian-American architect Louis Kahn, who was known for his modern and brutalist architectural style. In 1969, Botta completed his studies and established his practice in Lugano, designing and building single-family homes.
Throughout the 1970s, Botta gained fame for his innovative, geometrical designs and deceptively simple forms, such as his first large-scale building project in 1977 — the Middle School in Morbio Inferiore, Switzerland. Botta later established himself as one of the masters of 1980s postmodern design in his architecture and his furniture. His postmodern ideas characterize the dining room tables and seating he designed for companies such as Alias, as well as his table lamps and floor lamps for Artemide.
Botta’s noteworthy architectural projects designed during the 1990s and 2000s include the Cymbalista Synagogue and Jewish Heritage Center in Tel Aviv, Israel; the Monastery of the Holy Apostles Saint Peter and Andrew in Lviv, Ukraine; and the Theater of Architecture in Mendrisio, in 2018.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Mario Botta lighting fixtures, seating, tables and decorative objects.
"Charlotte" Chair by Mario Botta for Horm, Italy, 1990s
By Mario Botta, Horm
Located in Milan, IT
"Charlotte" chair by Mario Botta for Horm. Sculptural cold shape contrasts with warm feeling of full wicker body.
Wicker
Mario Botta, 4 'Seconda' Black Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Three 'Seconda' chairs designed by the famous architect Mario Botta for the Italian firm Alias, model 602. All 4 are painted black both in the structure and in the seat, they bear ...
Steel
Mario Botta La Quinta chair for Alias, Switzerland 1985, One Chair
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
Fast Shipping, insured in 8-15 days. Mint condition original 1980s La Quinta chair by Mario Botta Chairs for Alias. One chair is left. During the 198...
Metal, Sheet Metal
$1,138 / item
Quinta chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1985.
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Athens, Attiki
Quinta chairs by Mario Botta for Alias, 1985.
Metal
Pair Seconda Postmodern armchairs by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s, Set of 2
By Mario Botta, Alias, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi, Philippe Starck
Located in Brussels, Brussels
The Seconda Armchair, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta and crafted by Alias, is a bold icon of postmodern design. Launched in 1982, it showcases Botta’s architectural backgro...
Steel, Sheet Metal
Mario Botta Latonda Chair
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Barcelona, ES
The 'Latonda' chair was designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta in 1987 for the Italian company Alias. This chair has become an icon of contemporary design and is characte...
Steel, Sheet Metal
Mario Botta, 4 'Seconda' Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Botta, set of 4 "Seconda" Armchairs produced by Alias, Italy 1982. Structure with armrests in gray powder-coated steel, black seat in perforated steel sheet. Backrest made up...
Steel
Late 20th Century Charlotte Armchair by Mario Botta, Italy, 1994
By Mario Botta
Located in London, GB
The hallmark of Mario Botta’s architecture, characterized by purely geometric and cleverly interconnected volumes, is clearly visible in the Charlotte chair, edited by Horm. The cyli...
Wicker
Postmodern Italian Quinta Black Perforated Metal Chair Mario Botta Alias 1980s
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern armchair by Italian manufacturer Alias, designed by Mario Botta in the 1980s. A timeless design classic from the 1980s. Classic black and made entirely of metal. Naturall...
Metal
Mario Botta, 'Seconda' Black Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Three 'Seconda' chairs designed by the famous architect Mario Botta for the Italian firm Alias, model 602. All three are painted black both in the structure and in the seat, they bea...
Steel
$5,005 / item
Charlotte Armchair by Mario Botta
By Mario Botta, Horm
Located in Milan, IT
An example of skillful craftsmanship in a sophisticated, modern design, this armchair by Mario Botta comprises a structure in white-painted metal covered entirely by natural wicker. ...
Metal
Postmodern Vintage Six Black Metal Armchairs Quinta Mario Botta Italy 1985
By Mario Botta
Located in Vienna, AT
Postmodern six ( 6 ) armchairs or dining chairs designed by Maria Botta 1985, Italy for Alias, Italy. A great and extraordinary set of six ( 6 ) dining chairs or armchairs in amazing...
Sheet Metal
Armchair Casamania & Horm Charlotte design Mario Botta
By Horm, Mario Botta
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: HORM Model: Charlotte Armchair Designer: Mario Botta Charlotte stems from the architectural language of Mario Botta, where the purity of geometric volumes meets the balance o...
Metal
A pair of post-modern Quinta dining chairs by Mario Botta for Alias, Italy 1984
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
postmodernism actually became famous for the rediscovery of joy in design, playfulness, fun and, yes: decoration. but there is also the very straightforward honesty, as seen in these...
Metal
$7,744 / set
H 28.35 in W 20.48 in D 22.84 in
Mario Botta, 'Seconda' Black Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Three 'Seconda' chairs designed by the famous architect Mario Botta for the Italian firm Alias, model 602. All three are painted black both in the structure and in the seat, they bea...
Steel
Seconda Chairs by Mario Botta for Alias, Set of 4 circa 1980
By Mario Botta
Located in Greensboro, NC
Set of 4 “Seconda” chairs designed by Italian architect and designer Mario Botta. These chairs are a vintage Alias production, circa 1980s. Chairs show well with minor wear commens...
Metal
$3,820 / set
H 31.75 in W 23 in D 19 in
A Pair of Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab chairs Model 413, dark brown, 1990s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Seattle, WA
A pair of Early Cab Chairs, model 413 in dark brown saddle leather, designed by Mario Bellini, manufactured by Cassina in late 90s early 2000s The pair is in absolutely beautiful co...
Leather
$16,339 / set
H 28.75 in W 35.83 in D 28.75 in
Late 20th Century Charlotte Armchair by Mario Botta, Italy, 1994
By Mario Botta
Located in London, GB
The hallmark of Mario Botta’s architecture, characterized by purely geometric and cleverly interconnected volumes, is clearly visible in the Charlotte chair, edited by Horm. The cyli...
Wicker
$3,950 / set
H 26 in W 20 in D 21 in
1980s Pair of Postmodern Mario Botta for Alias Seconda Chairs with Arms in Gray
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of postmodern Mario Botta Seconda armchairs, produced by Alias circa the mid 1980s. These are gorgeous and iconic works b...
Metal
Mario Botta Seconda Chairs, Set of 4
By Mario Botta
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Designed in 1982 by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta for the Italian brand Alias, the Seconda chair is a definitive icon of the Postmodern era. Celebrated for its rigid geometry,...
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal, Steel Mesh
$4,555 / set
H 28.35 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Mario Botta for Atlas, Pair of Black "Prima" Chairs, Italy, 1980s
By Atlas, Mario Botta
Located in Naples, IT
Designed in 1982 by the legendary Swiss architect Mario Botta for Alias, the "Prima" chair is one of the purest and most recognizable symbols of postmodern design and architecture ap...
Metal
$1,127
H 36.62 in W 22.45 in D 17.72 in
Italian postmodern metal Quinta 605 chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian postmodern metal Quinta 605 chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s. Quinta 605 chair, postmodern Italian, in metal by Mario Botta for Alias 1980 Quinta 605 armchair with seat ...
Metal
Charlotte Armchair by Mario Botta
By Mario Botta, Horm
Located in Milan, IT
An example of skillful craftsmanship in a sophisticated, modern design, this armchair by Mario Botta comprises a structure in white-painted metal covered entirely by natural wicker. ...
Metal
$6,642
H 31.11 in W 24.41 in D 28.35 in
Rocking Chair Dondolo by Verner Panton for Ycami, Italy, 1990s
By Ycami Collection, Verner Panton
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern space age design armchair or lounge rocking chair model Dondolo in metal, leather and wood feet by the Iconic Danish designer Verner Panton for the italian editor ...
Metal
$3,893Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.3 in W 31.5 in D 32.3 in
Pratfall Armchairs by Philippe Starck for Driade, 1980s, Set of 2
By Driade, Philippe Starck
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Postmodern design classic "Pratfall" arm chair designed by Philippe Starck for Driade. 1st Edition made in the early 90s. Both arm chairs are in good condition with normal wear of ...
Steel
$2,361Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30 in W 25 in D 19 in
PAIR 1980s Postmodern Mario Botta Latonda Chair for Alias - 2 pcs
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
What Beauties! Stunning RARE PAIR of Mario Botta accent chairs for any space! Very fast shipping, insured 7-21 days. RARE Black leather model, with silver frame. Chair "Latonda" Pro...
Metal
$4,771 / set
H 36.23 in W 21.66 in D 15.75 in
5 Chairs, 1980s steel and leather that can be by Mario Botta or Martin Szekely
By Philippe Starck, Mario Botta, Martin Szekely
Located in Paris, FR
Set of 5 post modern chairs in steel and leather seats, 80s. . Unidentified and unattributed but could be from Mario Botta or Martin Szekely, or even Philippe Starck . Some traces of...
Steel
$1,965Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 33.08 in W 19.69 in D 23.23 in
Rare Black Leather Model 91 Chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1991
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
What a beauty! Stunning accent chair for any space! Very fast shipping, insured 7-21 days. RARE Black leather model, with black frame. Chair "Botta '91" 1989 Design: 1989 Production...
Metal
$15,033 / set
H 38.2 in W 17.92 in D 22.45 in
Postmodern Vintage Six Black Metal Armchairs Quinta Mario Botta Italy 1985
By Mario Botta
Located in Vienna, AT
Postmodern six ( 6 ) armchairs or dining chairs designed by Maria Botta 1985, Italy for Alias, Italy. A great and extraordinary set of six ( 6 ) dining chairs or armchairs in amazing...
Sheet Metal
Mario Botta for Alias 'Prince' Chair
By Mario Botta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Botta for Alias, lounge chair 'Prince' as part of de Sesta series, black metal, mesh and black and white leather, Italy, 1985. This loun...
Metal
Sold
H 37.4 in W 17.71 in D 21.65 in
Mario Botta PAIR La Quinta Mint Green + Black Chairs Alias Switzerland 1985 2pc
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Basel, BS
Fast Shipping, insured in 8-15 days. PAIR of Mint condition original 1980s La Quinta chair by Mario Botta Chair for Alias. Rare mint green + black edition!! Two available, sold he...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 37.4 in W 17.71 in D 21.65 in
Mario Botta La Quinta Mint Green + Black chair Alias, Switzerland 1985 One Chair
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Basel, BS
Fast Shipping, insured in 8-15 days. Mint condition original 1980s La Quinta chair by Mario Botta Chair for Alias. Rare mint green + black edition. Two available, sold here as a s...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 35.83 in D 28.75 in
Pair of "Charlotte" Armchairs by Mario Botta for Horm in Natural Wicker, 1994
By Horm, Mario Botta
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This stunning pair of "Charlotte" armchairs, designed by the renowned architect Mario Botta for Horm in 1994, embodies the essence of late 20th-century design. Mario Botta's signatur...
Iron
Sold
H 37.01 in W 17.72 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Vintage Postmodern 'Quinta' Armchairs, Mario Botta for Alias, 80s Italy
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Zagreb, HR
A pair of the iconic original 1980s 'Quinta' chairs designed by Mario Botta and produced by Alias. During the 1980s, famous Swiss architect, Mario Botta worked with the manufacture...
Metal
Postmodern Black Quinta Chair by Mario Botta for Alias, '1985'
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Along with his iconic Seconda chair, Mario Botta’s Quinta chair for Alias is postmodern furniture at its very finest: drastically scaled down ...
Metal
Postmodern Gray and Black Seconda Chair by Mario Botta for Alias '1985'
By Mario Botta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An icon of postmodern design, Mario Botta's Seconda chair is as much a piece of architecture as furniture. The Seconda (model 602) demonstrates every bit of the Botta’s influences an...
Metal
Sold
H 37.4 in W 17.71 in D 21.65 in
Mario Botta La Quinta chair for Alias, Switzerland 1985, One Chair
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Basel, BS
Original 1980s Mario Botta Chair for Alias. One Chair available. During the 1980s, famous Swiss architect, Mario Botta worked with the manufacturer Alias as a designer on a whole ra...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 36.62 in W 17.72 in D 22.45 in
Italian Post Modern Black Metal Quinta 605 Armchair, Mario Botta, Alias, 1980s
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern micro perforeted black metal Quinta 605 armchair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s Quinta 605 model armchair with seat and back in black micro-perforated metal and...
Metal
Mario Botta Quinta Chair for Alias
By Mario Botta
Located in London, England
The iconic Quinta chair is constructed with a steel rod frame and folded perforated sheet-metal seat and back-rest. Designed in 1985, this iconic chair sh...
Steel
Mario Botta Rare 1982 Chrome Seconda Chairs Italy Alias
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in San Diego, CA
Mario Botta Seconda Metal - Chrome armchairs Memphis for Alias Italy, 1982 edition with chrome and black leather is a rare version of the Iconic Seconda Mario Botta char. The Seconda...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 20.48 in D 22.05 in
Set of 4 Post-Modern Seconda Armchairs by Mario Botta for Alias, Italy, 1982
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Munster, NRW
When looking at Mario Botta's chair designs you can follow his thoughts step by step (he even named them chronologically). His architectural approach to construction redefines static...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in
Pair of Chairs Seconda 602 by Mario Botta for Alias 1982s by Botta Collection
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous pair of chairs model "Sedia Seconda 602" designed by the great master and designer Mario Botta for the fine Italian manufacture Alias in 1982, belonging to the Botta collect...
Steel
Pair of Mario Botta Quinta Italian Chairs for Alias, 1985
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing Quinta chairs designed by the Swiss architect and designer Mario Botta in Italy in 1985. This pair of chairs is made of a steel rod frame and perforated steel to form the sea...
Metal, Iron
Vintage "Charlotte" Armchair by Mario Botta, Italy, 1990s
By Mario Botta
Located in Roma, IT
This Charlotte armchair is a splendid design furniture designed by the Swiss architect and designer Mario Botta (1943-) during the 1990s. Charlotte is an handwoven armchair in wic...
Wicker