Paolo Piva

Paolo Piva (Adria, 1950–2017) was an Italian architect and designer. Poliform records that he began architectural studies at the University of Venice in 1968, studied with Carlo Scarpa in 1973, and developed an interest in industrial…

Biography

Background

Paolo Piva (Adria, 1950–2017) was an Italian architect and designer. Poliform records that he began architectural studies at the University of Venice in 1968, studied with Carlo Scarpa in 1973, and developed an interest in industrial design from 1970. His work connected architectural research, exhibition making and furniture design.

Signature Style

His practice moved between architecture and industrial design. Poliform records research on Vienna from 1918 to 1934, the 1980 exhibition Vienna Rossa, and projects ranging from the Kuwait embassy in Qatar to retail interiors and furniture collaborations. His built and exhibition work gave the designer a broad architectural context for objects made with furniture companies.

Notable Works

Alanda coffee table for B&B Italia
Kuwait embassy in Qatar, planned in 1980
Vienna Rossa exhibition and catalogue work
Renovation of the C. Jourdan headquarters in Paris and Palazzo Remer in Venice
Onda beds for Poliform

Legacy

Piva was nominated for the XIII Compasso d’Oro in 1987. The official B&B Italia biography states that he became an associate professor at the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna in 1988 and full professor in 1991. The Poliform and B&B Italia biographies place his teaching and industrial-design work within a career shared between Italy, Austria and international architectural commissions.

Products

poliform.it

Onda Bed

A curved upholstered bed with a hand-finished capitonné effect.

bebitalia.com

Andy '13

A linear or corner sofa with a backrest that moves between horizontal and upright positions.

Collaborated with

B&B Italia

Poliform