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Paolo Piva Seating

Italian, 1950-2017

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.

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Creator: Paolo Piva
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6

Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6

By Paolo Piva

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy ...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Post Modern Italian Leather Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva
Post Modern Italian Leather Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva

Post Modern Italian Leather Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Las Vegas, NV

SUPER RARE. These Paolo Piva Alanda sofas are rarely available in the US and NEVER IN THIS COLOR. This sofa is vintage patinated leather perf...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Alanda leather sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Alanda leather sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

Alanda leather sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in MONTESSON, FR

This beige leather sofa was designed by Italian designer Paolo Piva. It is the Alanda model produced by B&B Italia in the 1980s. The armrests and headrests are adjustable. This sofa ...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Paolo Piva 'Arca' sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1980s
Paolo Piva 'Arca' sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1980s

Paolo Piva 'Arca' sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1980s

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Arca two seater sofa with right and left armrest provided with transparent glass serving tables which swing out from under the armrest. Framework made of structural steel embedded i...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Steel

B & B Italia Armchair Set by Paolo Piva (2 pieces)
B & B Italia Armchair Set by Paolo Piva (2 pieces)

B & B Italia Armchair Set by Paolo Piva (2 pieces)

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Budapest, Budapest

B&B Italia armchair set of 2, desiged by Paolo Piva. The leather is in poor condition.

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Metal

Wittmann Black Leather Armchair Model Ducale Cube Design by Paolo Piva
Wittmann Black Leather Armchair Model Ducale Cube Design by Paolo Piva

Wittmann Black Leather Armchair Model Ducale Cube Design by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, Wittmann

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Leather Armchair by Austrian - Italian architect Paolo Piva. Model Ducale manufactured by Wittmann. Black Semianiline leather. The design is a cube design with little curves. 2 ch...

Category

Early 2000s Austrian Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Paolo Piva, Alanda, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
Paolo Piva, Alanda, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s

Paolo Piva, Alanda, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Paris, FR

Paolo Piva Alanda A rectangular two-seater sofa with mobile headrests and armrests covered with its multicolored original fabric upholstery. Original edition by B&B Italia. With B&B Italia label. Italy. Circa 1980. Dimensions Height : 74 cm     With headrests raised : 88 cm Width : 210 cm  With armrests raised : 194 cm Depth : 106 cm With headrests raised : 86 cm Height of seat : 42 cm Literature Domus 633, November 1982, p.26-29 Domus 634, December 1982, p.22-23 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950-2000 per l'arredamento domestico, Umberto Allemandi, 2003, p.277 Mario Mastropietro, Rolando Gorla, Un’industria per il design : la ricerca i designers, l’immagine B&B Italia, Edizioni Lybra Immagine, Milano, 1986, p.394-397. Paolo Piva Paolo Piva was born in Adria in 1950. He studied architecture at the Venice Istituto Universitario di Architettura under the direction of Carlo Scarpa and Carlo Aymonino. He practiced architecture and industrial design mainly in Italy and Austria. In 1990, he became a professor at the Hochschule für Angewande Kunst in Vienna. He designed factories in Italy, such as in Misinto for B&B Italia, galeries such as Schullin in Vienna for which he was awarded the « Adolf Loos » prize in 1994. In 1996, he designed book-shops and cafeterias for the Venetian Civic Museums. The same year, he participated in the 6th International Exhibition of Architecture at the Venice Biennale. Alanda The idea behind the Alanda was to create a « mobile » piece of furniture. Developed with the B&B Research Centre, the mechanism allows different positions following the changing needs of the user. « Alanda was conceived as an open object...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Fabric

Set of Six De Sede DS 218 Bar Stools by Paolo Piva in Nappa Leather
Set of Six De Sede DS 218 Bar Stools by Paolo Piva in Nappa Leather

Set of Six De Sede DS 218 Bar Stools by Paolo Piva in Nappa Leather

By De Sede, Paolo Piva

Located in Ludwigslust, DE

This set of six bar stools with red seats made of high-quality nappa leather is in excellent condition. The leather seats show minimal signs of wear. The cubic frames made of polishe...

Category

2010s Swiss Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Alanda leather armchair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980
Alanda leather armchair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980

Alanda leather armchair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in MONTESSON, FR

This beige leather armchair was designed by Italian designer Paolo Piva. It is the Alanda model published by B&B Italia in the 1980s. The armrests and headrest are adjustable. This s...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Metal

1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather
1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather

1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an ‘Arcadia’ armless dining chair, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B & B Italia in 1989. This piece was produced in Italy around the same time. It features a simplis...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, De Sede

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva
Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva

Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, Wittmann

Located in New York, NY

Aura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...

Category

2010s Austrian Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s
Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s

Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s

By Paolo Piva

Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen

Very rare vintage 3-seat sofa in its original black leather. Stunning patina. Designed in the 1990s by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss. Very good condition with normal signs of use...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"

Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Prato, IT

Mid-Century Modern Italian B&B "Alanda" two-and-a-half-seat white leather sofa by Paolo Piva with adjustable back pillows and armrests, 1970s. The sofa shows wear due to age and use...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Iron

Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6

Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6

By Paolo Piva

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy Di...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"
Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"

Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"

By Paolo Piva

Located in Casalguidi, IT

Boss is directed to a public who loves "objects" with distinguishing character and a strong personality. After years of rigorous minimalism, Giovannetti brings back the forceful sinuous lines and extraordinary comfort of a design that has even achieved fame in films and television. Available in different colors and sizes. Frame in tubular steel, padding in polyurethane foam covered with protective lining. Seat and back cushion/armrest: polyurethane foam pad- ding, covered with acrylic thermo-welded fibre Springing with steel plasticized bogie and spiral springs Feet...

Category

1970s Italian Other Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric

2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia Dining Side Chair in Tan Leather
2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia Dining Side Chair in Tan Leather

2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia Dining Side Chair in Tan Leather

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Arcadia armless dining chairs, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in 1989. These particular examples date to 2005. They feature a simplistic modern design ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna

Alanda sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. A true design product, typical of the 1990s. Made of Steel and upholstered in Grey color Alcantara, fully removable cover. Armrests and head...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Fabric

Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s
Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s

Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s

By Wittmann, Paolo Piva

Located in DE MEERN, NL

SET OF 2 LEATHER ARM CHAIRS BY PAOLO PIVA FOR WITTMANN, AUSTRIA 1980S Looking for a vintage touch to your home decor? Look no further than this set of 2 vintage blue leather armchai...

Category

1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Lounge Chair Armchair Creme Paolo Piva
De Sede Leather Lounge Chair Armchair Creme Paolo Piva

De Sede Leather Lounge Chair Armchair Creme Paolo Piva

By De Sede, Paolo Piva

Located in Munich, Bavaria

De Sede leather armchair designed by Paolo Piva. Great comfort and a Classic timeless design by De Sede. With patina on the leather and beec...

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10

Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Set of 10 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in dark green leather. They are very comfortable. The set consists of 8 regul...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

2x Original Wittmann Sessel Aura Leder schwarz Paolo Piva
2x Original Wittmann Sessel Aura Leder schwarz Paolo Piva

2x Original Wittmann Sessel Aura Leder schwarz Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, Wittmann

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten einen von zwei wunderschönen Wittmann "Aura" Sesseln aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Paolo Piva für Wittmann und stammt aus dem Jahr 1983. Insge...

Category

2010s Austrian Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva
Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva

Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, Wittmann

Located in New York, NY

Aura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...

Category

2010s Austrian Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric

De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

By De Sede, Paolo Piva

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a Minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

Vintage POSTMODERN Leather Club Chair by Paolo Piva
Vintage POSTMODERN Leather Club Chair by Paolo Piva

Vintage POSTMODERN Leather Club Chair by Paolo Piva

By Paolo Piva, Wittmann

Located in Oxnard, CA

Here is a fantastic postmodern 1980s leather chair by Paolo Piva for Wittman. This unique oversized chair features supple grey leather with ribbing details accented by spherical wood...

Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia High Back Dining Side Chair in Leather
2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia High Back Dining Side Chair in Leather

2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia High Back Dining Side Chair in Leather

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Arcadia armless high back dining chairs, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in 1989. These particular examples date to the 2000s. They feature a simplistic...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Two Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Set of Two Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

Set of Two Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

By Paolo Piva

Located in Praha, CZ

Design armchairs designed by Paolo Piva. The iron mechanism on the back leg allows easy movement of the chair on the floor. Very good original condition.

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva

By De Sede, Paolo Piva

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a Minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Leather

B&B Italia Armchair Set of Six by Paolo Piva, Leather, Vintage, 1989
B&B Italia Armchair Set of Six by Paolo Piva, Leather, Vintage, 1989

B&B Italia Armchair Set of Six by Paolo Piva, Leather, Vintage, 1989

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Budapest, Budapest

B&B Italia armchair set of 6, desiged by Paolo Piva. The leather is in poor condition.

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating

Materials

Metal

Paolo Piva seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Piva seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of leather and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paolo Piva seating, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 32 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 8 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Paolo Piva were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Giandomenico Belotti, Alessandro Becchi, and Andrea Branzi. Prices for Paolo Piva seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $632 and can go as high as $9,332, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,315.