Arcata Three-Seater Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Italy - 1968

Description

Designed in 1968 by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, the Arcata three-seater sofa represents the most expansive expression of the series. The piece is defined by its solid wooden structure, articulated through arched side panels with circular cut-outs that give the sofa a strong architectural rhythm. Three generously padded seat and back cushions introduce comfort and softness, balancing the visual weight of the structure with a sense of ease and invitation.

Gae Aulenti (1927–2012) was a seminal figure in Italian Postwar and early Postmodern design, known for challenging modernist restraint through historical reference, monumentality, and spatial presence. The Arcata series exemplifies her belief that furniture should function as inhabitable architecture rather than neutral object. This three-seater stands as a key example of her approach, valued for its sculptural clarity, material integrity, and lasting relevance within twentieth-century Italian design.

GW1389