GIUSEPPE RAIMONDI
Reimagining Seating with Alvar and Mozza
During his tenure at Gufram, Raimondi developed some of the most emblematic and provocative seating solutions of the era. In 1966, he collaborated with artist Ugo Nespolo to create Margherita, a whimsical table and chair set. This was followed by the development of the Alvar chaise longue in 1967 and the Mozza seat in 1968. Both pieces, upholstered in fabric and crafted from sculpted polyurethane, challenged traditional typologies and gave new meaning to the idea of comfort. Their organic forms, soft curves, and immersive presence made them standout icons of Italian domestic design and established Raimondi as a designer unafraid to push boundaries.
From Radical Aesthetics to Global Recognition
The Alvar chair in particular became an international reference point, frequently highlighted in exhibitions and design retrospectives. Its unique shape and engaging tactility made it a perfect embodiment of the experimental language that emerged in Italy during the 1970s. As part of Gufram's most groundbreaking designer chairs, it introduced new dialogues around how furniture could behave and communicate. Today, this creation is still studied and collected, appreciated not only for its style but also for its cultural significance within the evolution of postmodern design.
Beyond Furniture: A Multidisciplinary Path
Raimondi’s curiosity led him beyond furniture into the realms of lighting, mirror design, and interior architecture. He developed objects that played with perception: using reflection, distortion, and spatial contrast to create immersive atmospheres. His work in ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts further enriched his aesthetic vocabulary. In 1970, after co-founding the studio A.ba.co, he opened his own practice in Turin, continuing his multidisciplinary experimentation and helping shape the creative landscape of the time.
An Enduring Figure of Italian Design
Often cited among the most relevant Italian designers of the 1970s, Raimondi’s name remains intertwined with the legacy of radical innovation. His iconic creations, from the sculptural Alvar to the playful Mozza, embody a spirit of rebellion and elegance that still resonates in the luxury chaise longues category. Today, design enthusiasts explore his biography and past works to understand the foundations of the Gufram aesthetic and its cultural impact. Whether seen in museum collections or contemporary design references, his contributions continue to inspire, inform, and provoke: reminding us that design, at its best, is both reflection and revolution.