the modern postmodern.
Sold, sorry.
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 designs by mario botta, the swiss-italian popstar of postmodern architecture. when looking at his chair designs you can follow his thoughts step by step (he even named them chronologically).
his ’quinta‘ armchair is a geometric composition of rectangles and circles, reduced to the essential, showing off its construction. it’s just metal – but the curved sheet panels not only visually create the impression of a cushion, but actually provide a “spring” effect. the quinta chair is an experiment, a lesson and an icon at the same time: designed in 1985, the ‘quinta’ (and its siblings) show the influence of bottas mentors le corbusier, louis kahn and carlo scarpa on botta’s work. the clean lines are reminiscent of the architect’s work for the museum of modern art building in san francisco, where the chair is on display today.
set of two ’quinta‘ armchairs, by mario botta for alias s.p.a.; design 1984, a steel rod frame, supporting two bent metal plates for seat and backrest; painted steel tubing ø14mm, seat and back perforated sheet metal, painted black. good vintage condition. manufacturer’s mark.
