Created by postmodern pioneers Archizoom Associati, the Mies lounge chair is one of the most important examples of Italian Radical design, an audacious antiestablishment design movement that rejected architecture norms and the capitalist excesses that its proponents associated with modernism. Archizoom’s founding members — Andrea Branzi (1938–2023), Gilberto Corretti (b. 1941), Paolo Deganello (b. 1940) and Massimo Morozzi (1941–2014) — formed the group in 1966, and their playful, provocative chair followed three years later.
The young architects who comprised Archizoom met while studying at the University of Florence during a period of political, social and economic unrest in Italy. Like the other Italian Radical design firms of the era that were initiated by architecture students, such as Superstudio (which never actually designed a building), Archizoom was inspired by the visionary work of London architecture collective Archigram— so much so that their name directly references Zoom, a zine published by the British group.
Central to the “anti-design” ethos of the Italian Radicals was the concept that design should always be questioning itself. Archizoom and others brought new materials and a sense of irony into their works to expand the expressive potential of design. Over the eight years they were active, Archizoom’s work spanned architecture, theoretical urban design, interiors and exhibition installations. They designed a range of furniture for Poltronova, including the Superonda sofa (1966), the Safari sofa (1966–67), the Sanremo floor lamp (1968) and the Mies lounge chair (1969).
The Mies chair is a perfect encapsulation of Archizoom’s philosophy. The design emerged from the simple but subversive idea of using a strip of rubber as a seat. At first glance, the piece — the brown Pirelli rubber’s taut surface, the triangular mirrored steel frame — doesn’t really resemble a functional chair. Only when someone sits in it does the chair then assume the form of recognizable seating. But once the weight of the body is removed, the surface snaps back into place.
As a tribute to early modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who died earlier in the year of the chair’s inception, the piece cheekily questions the tendency of modern design to go a little too far in its pursuit of functionalism. The chair, which was included in the classic “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” exhibition held at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in 1972, is still available from Poltronova. It’s paired with an illuminated footstool upholstered in pony hide, another layer of whimsy and contradiction.
Armchair with Ottoman Mies Model by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, Italy
By Archizoom Associati
Located in Milan, Italy
The structure is in chromed metal, the seat in latex sheet that deforms in response to the weight of the body. Ottoman size: W 105 cm x D 20 cm x H 34 cm. Bulbs: 3 x LED E14 3W [ma...
Metal
20th Century, Archizoom for Poltronova Armchair mod. Mies
By Archizoom Associati, Poltronova
Located in Turin, Turin
Archizoom Associati was founded in Florence in 1966 by Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, Paolo Deganello and Massimo Morozzi, followed in 1968 by Dario and Lucia Bartolini, was one o...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern 'Mies' Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Archizoom Associati, 1960
By Archizoom Associati
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern 'Mies' Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Archizoom Associati, 1960s Dimensions : Chair : 130 x 74 x 76H CM Ottoman : 104 x 20 x 34 h CM
Metal
$6,065
H 32.68 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chair, 1960s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Italian armchair anonymous designer in the 1960's. This iconic design piece has been completely restored from the frame and special brass legs to a complete new ...
Brass
$1,421Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Art Deco Baby Pink Armchair, 1950s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
An unusual chair with organic shapes. A spring seat, very comfortable. After full carpentry and upholstery renovation. Padded with high-quality velour velvet (color 21). It was produ...
Velvet, Beech
20th Century Mustard Yellow Dante Armchair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful, restored armchair designed by Henryk Lis. Furniture after full carpentry and upholstery renovation. The fabric, which is covered with a backrest and a seat, is a high-qu...
Velvet, Beech
$3,900 / set
H 35.5 in W 30.5 in D 37.5 in
Mid-Century Danish Modern Ebony & Leather Swivel Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set
By Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquardsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nelo Sweden swivel lounge chair by Takashi Okamura & Erik Marquardsen, in black leather with matching ottoman. Heavy well-made set with bla...
Leather, Wood
$46,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.6 in W 102.37 in D 84.65 in
'Safari' Sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Poltronova, Archizoom Associati
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptionally rare "Safari" sectional sofa, designed in 1968 by the influential Italian collective Archizoom Associati for Poltronova. This unique four-piece set includes two two-sea...
Faux Fur, Fiberglass
$33,200
H 29.14 in W 44.49 in D 34.26 in
Moleca Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Moleca" lounge chair is a significant piece of Brazilian design history, created in 1957 by master designer Sergio Rodrigues. It is a beautiful example of Rodrigues's unique and...
Wood
Liuto armchair by Paolo Portoghesi for Poltronova
By Paolo Portoghesi, Poltronova
Located in Ravenna, IT
Rare early version of the famous Liuto armchair designed by Paolo Portoghesi for Poltronova in 1970. The armchair traces classic forms, and the shapes are accentuated by white stitch...
Fabric, Wood
$47,419 / set
H 25.6 in W 102.37 in D 84.65 in
Midcentury Safari sofa by Archizoom for Poltronova, Italy 1968
By Archizoom Associati, Poltronova
Located in HAARLEM, NL
An icon, vintage Safari sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova. A base made of white-coated fibreglass reinforced plastic, integrated seats arranged in the form of a flower, newl...
Fiberglass
Very Rare Safari Lounge Sofa, Archizoom Associati 1968
By Archizoom Associati
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
"Safari" lounge sofa, Archizoom Associati (assets from 1966 to 1974). Model created in 1968, first edition of Poltronova 1968. In white lacquered fiberglass, composed of four element...
Fiberglass
$7,506
H 23.63 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Two-Seater Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A lovely two seater sofa designed by the Italian designer couple Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Produced by Poltronova of Florence, the sofa is a design classic with a wonderful off-white and red combination for the frame and cushions respectively. Although the original cushions show some signs of distress, they are still supple and have no rips and tears, ready to be enjoyed by the new owner for many years still. CONDITION In Good Condition - Some wear and tear to the leather consummate with age. However no rips or tears, a good distressed look which has plenty of use still...
Leather
$46,107
H 27.56 in W 102.37 in D 84.65 in
'Safari' Mid-Century Italian Sofa by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova
By Archizoom Associati
Located in London, GB
A 'Safari lounge sofa. Italy, c1968. Made by Archizoom Associati for Poltronova. White lacquered fibreglass, in four sectional elements....
Fiberglass
$23,100
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
"MP-43 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The rare MP-43 armchair, made of Brazilian hardwood, is another great example of the imaginative and innovative production of designer and architect Percival Lafer. With its chro...
Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 51.58 in D 31.5 in
Mies Armchair with Ottoman Designed by Archizoom for Poltronova, 1960s
By Archizoom Associati, Poltronova
Located in Parma, IT
Armchair with pouf Mies design Archizoom for Poltronova 1960s. Chromed steel armchair and ottoman structure, caucciu'rubbe seat with pony headrest, pouf with lighting and pony footr...
Steel
