The Birth of Soft Sculpture Design

In 1965, Gilardi began working with Gufram, where he would conceive a series of iconic furnishings in expanded polyurethane. Among his most celebrated creations is the Sassi pouf, a nature-inspired seat that mimics the texture and shape of river stones. This work, together with other Gufram Sassi design stones, bridges art and domestic life by transforming sculptural elements into functional decor. The Sassi pouf by Gilardi became a manifesto of radical experimentation, offering a playful yet refined response to the rigidity of traditional interior design.

Sculpture Meets Functionality

Gilardi’s collaboration with Gufram also led to the creation of the Massolo small table, a piece that appears to be carved from stone but is actually crafted in soft polyurethane. These works pushed the boundaries of polyurethane furniture, elevating the material from industrial utility to a medium for poetic expression. Seen in museums and private collections around the world, they continue to attract design lovers looking to buy Gufram Sassi stones and other pieces that challenge the norms of decor and functionality.

An International Voice of Artistic Ecology

From 1968 onward, Gilardi expanded his focus to align with movements such as Arte Povera, Land Art, and Anti-form. His nature-inspired designs, including creative armchairs and innovative designer furniture, grew increasingly political, addressing environmental themes and social interaction. These values shaped his aesthetic and intellectual contributions, making him not only a designer of objects, but also a thinker of form and community. His biography is closely tied to the evolution of European experimental art, with exhibitions across Paris, Cologne, New York, and Amsterdam.

Legacy in Radical Italian Design

Today, Piero Gilardi’s works are widely considered among the most iconic pieces of the radical Italian design movement. Collectors and critics continue to study and appreciate the Gufram Sassi by Gilardi as symbols of a moment in history where aesthetics, nature, and critique converged. His creations, including designer seating, poufs, and low tables, are part of a broader legacy that emphasizes emotional connection and ecological awareness. Whether you're exploring the Piero Gilardi biography or seeking to understand his impact on design history, his objects speak volumes through shape, softness, and symbolism.