Paulistano Armchairs, Paulo Mendes da Rocha for Objekto, Brazilian Modern, 1970s
By Paulo Mendes da Rocha
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1957 by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, the Paulistano armchair stands as one of the most influential objects of Brazilian modern design. Conceived during the formative years of São Paulo’s Brutalist architectural movement, the chair reflects Mendes da Rocha’s belief that furniture should operate as an extension of structural logic, economy of means, and civic thinking. The design is radically reduced: a single, continuous stainless-steel rod bent into a self-supporting frame, paired with a suspended leather sling that adapts naturally to the body. This constructivist approach produces both visual lightness and exceptional comfort, eliminating traditional upholstery in favor of tension, balance, and material honesty. Originally designed for the Athletic Club of São Paulo, the Paulistano became an icon of modern Brazilian living and was later recognized internationally. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), underscoring its significance within global design history. Offered here as a matching pair, manufactured in Brazil by Objekto, the official producer of the Paulistano chair...
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Paulo Mendes da Rocha Furniture
Stainless Steel
