Work: Plia

Description

“All objects are usually chosen for their aesthetic impact. First you look at the aesthetics, then you evaluate whether it is comfortable or not. In the end, people choose with their eyes and not with… their bottoms.” — Giancarlo Piretti

The Plia folding chair has become an undisputed design icon, celebrated less for its cushiony comfort and more for its revolutionary aesthetics and technical innovations. Notably, it was the very first chair to introduce transparency to the market. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti and first manufactured by Anonima Castelli in 1967, the chair combines a sleek tubular steel frame with a molded polypropylene seat and backrest.

Standing 75 cm high and 47 cm wide, Plia is remarkably compact. The true genius of the design lies in the patented three-disc rotation hinge on either side of the seat, which allows the chair to fold and unfold smoothly and safely. Like the intricate gears of a clock, each of the three sliding discs connects to a different part of the frame—one to the back leg, one to the front leg and backrest, and the third to the seat—working in perfect unison to form the chair.

The transparent polypropylene used for the seat and backrest does more than just offer a clean, innovative look; it deliberately highlights, rather than hides, the brilliant engineering of the steel pivots and structural frame. Every element is meticulously finished with smooth, rounded contours and corners. The Plia chair remains in production today in a variety of contemporary colors and finishes, but our collection proudly features the original, timeless transparent version.

“It was an absolute triumph at the 1970 Salone del Mobile. People came to the Castelli stand and left with Plias tucked under their arms… we literally had to chain them up!” — Giancarlo Piretti