Take Your Seat: The evolution of the chair
Mar 10, 2022
A chair is known to be a cornerstone in the work of almost every designer. This simple object is the best way to synthesise the value of good design. And all good design has been recognised with the Compasso d'Oro award for over 60 years.
With this in mind, the organisers of Supersalone have put on an unprecedented show. The installation Take Your Seat was curated by Milanese architect and researcher Nina Bassoli. A selection of chairs that were awarded a Compasso d'Oro or that received a certificate of merit were displayed, totalling over 170 items in the final catalogue. These included Zanotta Tonietta, Bontempi Delfina, Kartell Piuma, Cassina Luisa, Lago Joynt, Pedrali Frida, Moroso Fjord and other iconic pieces. This year's winner, the Lemni chair designed by Marco Lavita for Living Divani, was also present. The project clearly demonstrated the evolution of the chair from the mid-20th century to the present day.
To showcase the iconic chairs, architects Alessandro Colombo and Perla Gianni Falvo created installations at four points throughout the exhibition. They were assisted by staff from the ADI Design Museum and the Compasso d'Oro archive, in particular Alessandra Fontaneto, who is in charge of the museum's 'Historical Collection'.
"It has been an interesting experience because, within a limited time frame, we have been able to explore the huge archives and structure this collection brilliantly. It has a number of objects selected based on specific periods - when awards and honourable mentions were given - and is extremely interesting in terms of the evolutionary history of design, extending from 1954 to the present day," commented curator Nina Bassoli on the project.
