Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Pianura' Lounge Chair in Walnut

Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chair, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1971

The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a compact yet sculptural form. Its overall volume is low and grounded, defined by a wide, block-like seat and backrest that emphasize horizontality. The design is structured around geometric contrasts: the seat and back are conceived as soft, rectilinear cushions, broad and deeply upholstered, while the wooden frame introduces sharp linearity, outlining the perimeter with precision. The chair avoids ornamentation, relying instead on proportion and spatial effect.

Mario Bellini (1935) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. Born in Milan, Bellini earned his PhD in architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1959. After his graduation, Bellini started working as an architect, and as a consultant for the Italian electronics company Olivetti. Besides architecture and electronics, Bellini also dedicated his career to automotive and furniture design. He has designed numerous items for Vitra, Artemide, Kartell, Cassina and more. The iconic 1977 Cab Chair for Cassina is one of Bellini's most prominent designs. The appreciation of his outstanding work has been made clear with eight Compasso d'Oro design awards. Over 20 items of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.