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
Set of 4 leather Arcosa chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Famous Italian architect Paolo Piva designed these amazing architectural chairs.
It is a set of 4 dining chairs. The name of the chairs is Arcosa.
They were produced by B&B Italia. O...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Chrome
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
1980s Paolo Piva Sofa Italian Pink Leather
By Paolo Piva
Located in Buxton, GB
ROCAILLE ANTIQUES
Experience the allure of vintage Italian design with this stunning Paolo Piva pink leather sofa. Crafted in Italy with a solid pa...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of 6 Arcadia chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 6 Arcadia chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in the 80s (publisher embossed under the seat)
Structure in metal covered with a black leather
Curved backrest.
2 sets of 6 avail...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
Paolo Piva Pair of Leather Cocktail Armchair Model Aura for Wittmann 1980s
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pair of cocktail chairs model "Aura" designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s for Wittmann.
Seat and frame are upholstered in high quality light brown leather with beautiful saddle stitch...
Category
1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Leather
Rare Paolo Piva Lounge Chair for Giovannetti 1979, Italy
By Giovannetti, Paolo Piva, B&B Italia, Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly rare Lounge Chair designed by Paolo Piva for Giovanetti, Italy in 1979.
This is a vintage Lounge Chair that has been professionally restored, upholstered with the finest...
Category
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Black Leather Arcadia Side Chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, this pair of Arcadia side chairs are entirely upholstered in black leather. The seat backs join to the base with an arc of chrome tubing that a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Chrome
Rare Paolo Piva 1979 Sofa for Giovanetti, Italy
By Giovannetti, Paolo Piva, Mario Bellini, Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly rare 3 Seater Sofa designed by Paolo Piva for Giovanetti, Italy in 1979.
This is a vintage sofa that has been professionally restored, upholstered with the finest materi...
Category
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Paolo Piva Alanda Black Leather Convertible Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Basel, BS
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.
W...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
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
De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White 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
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black 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
De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black 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
1 of 3 Arcadia 'Arcalla' Vintage Leather Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Three amazing 'Arcalla' high back dining chair, from the Arcadia series by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Produced by B&B Italia in Italy during the 1990s. . Sculptural, geometrically sh...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
Arcadia Leather Chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s, Set of 4
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Set of four dining chairs by designer Paolo Piva, manufactured by B&B Italia in Italy in the 1980s.
The chairs have a high back, which is connected to the seat with a special metal ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
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
B & B Italia Armchair Set by Paolo Piva (2 pieces)
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Budapest, HU
B&B Italia armchair set, desiged by Paolo Piva.
The sets are unique for their curved backrest.
The covers are red leather, that need some refurnishing.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
B&B Italy Black Leather 1980s Sofa Designed by Paolo Piva "Model ARCA"
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1980s two-seat sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Black leather upholstery with perforated accents. Circular glass side tables swivel out from under the arm rests. The back r...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black 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
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
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
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
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
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
Orange Armchair by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Model Aura
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Schagen, NL
Circular forms combined with straight, this elegant armchair was designed by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria.
The chair features an orange and yellow upholstery and black feet with a silver colored...
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
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
Armchair “Arcadia” by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Vienna, AT
Armchair in the rare version with curved backrest designed by Paolo Piva. The seat cover is manufactured of dark blue leather while all metal parts are of blackened metal, emphasizin...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White 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
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
Wood, Leather, Upholstery
De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black 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
Paolo Piva, 4 Leather Armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paolo Piva, 4 leather armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980.
Category
1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
Paolo Piva, 1 armchair Edition WITTMANN circa 1980
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paolo Piva, 1armchair, Edition WITTMANN circa 1980
Category
1980s French Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
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 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series.
Upholstered in a fresh mint green leather.
They are very comfortable and the angle of the ba...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Metal
B & B Italia Arcadia Dining Leather Chairs by Paolo Piva - Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Dimensions:
High back chairs
H 44.3" / W 18.3" / D 22" / Seat interior depth: 16.2"/ Height from floor to seat: 19.8" Back height: 25.4"
Low back chairs
H 35" / W 18.3" / D 22" /Seat...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Chrome
Wittmann Leather Armchair Chair Model Alta Design by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Leather armchair by Austrian, Italian architect Paolo Piva.
Model Alta manufactured by Wittmann.
Cognac aniline leather. The design is a basic design from the model aura.
Wittmann...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Wittmann Leather Armchair Chair Model Alta Design by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Leather armchair by Austrian - Italian architect Paolo Piva.
Model Alta manufactured by Wittmann.
Blue aniline leather. The design is a basic design from the model aura.
Wittmann ...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Paolo Piva Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
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.
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