The Gio Ponti–designed D.154.2 armchair is almost as iconic as the Italian designer himself. It was created in 1954 for his beloved Villa Planchart in Caracas, a place designed to represent the culmination of his Italian sensibilities and his Venezuelan surroundings. Ponti said, “I dedicated myself heart and soul to designing Villa Planchart, and in it I was at liberty to express my own approach to architecture, both outside and inside.” To celebrate the chair receiving the esteemed ADI Compasso d’Oro Career Award, Molteni&C (www.molteni.it) has created two exclusive D.154.2 armchairs in the colors Ponti used when designing Villa Planchart in the 1950s, sand and green. And now you can own your own piece of design history. Stop into the Molteni&C showroom operated by Luminaire in San Francisco to experience the magic of the D.154.2 chair in person. 128 Utah Street, San Francisco
A Conversation With Gio Ponti Archives Director Salvatore Licitra
How would you describe the D.154.2 armchair in your own words?
This armchair does not fit into traditional armchair structures but is a poetic homage by Gio Ponti to the beauty of the tropical flora that animated the gardens of Villa Planchart, Caracas. It takes inspiration from the forms of a flower, offering a soft and welcoming interior. Its shape stands out from traditional furnishings and simultaneously embodies Ponti’s idea of furniture as sculpture.
How does the D.154.2 chair epitomize the Molteni&C brand and the design vision of Gio Ponti?
This chair/sculpture expresses the spirit of Molteni&C in not limiting itself to simple furniture production, but also showcasing Ponti’s most special and poetic projects, which were produced in limited quantities for special occasions. These pieces are particularly significant in Ponti’s poetic vision.
How does the current chair differ from the original?
The research conducted by Molteni has been very deep, with the aim of reproducing the model as accurately as possible, while adopting technologies that were unimaginable at the time of the original.
Why is it such an honor to receive the Compasso d’Oro Award?
The Compasso d’Oro is a very important recognition that indicates how a project has anticipated forms and concepts that are only now being explored. One could say that the D.154.2 has foreshadowed by half a century a new concept of furniture and design for the industry.
How would you describe the Molteni&C aesthetic?
Molteni&C creates environments suitable for modern and contemporary life, and Ponti’s projects, with their promotion of a modern lifestyle, are a significant part of that.
What is your favorite piece from the current collection?
My favorites are indeed the D.154.2 and D.157.6, both poetically dedicated to the tropical flora of Venezuela, imagined in complete design freedom without market or industrial constraints.
As the archive director, what do you see as most exciting part of your job?
I enjoy making the poetic nature of Gio Ponti’s work perceptible, for example by juxtaposing his architectural works with his various expressions in art and design.
This article originally appeared on marinliving.com
