Arcata Living Room Set by Gae Aulenti, Italy - 1968

Description

Designed by Gae Aulenti, the Arcata seating set comprises armchairs, a loveseat, and a three-seater sofa, conceived as a unified architectural ensemble. Each piece is defined by a sculptural wooden structure articulated through arched side panels and circular cut-outs, creating a rhythmic and monumental presence. Generously upholstered seating introduces softness and comfort, balancing the visual weight of the construction. While conceived as a coherent set, each element maintains a strong individual identity and can be appreciated on its own, allowing the pieces to function either together or independently within an interior.

Gae Aulenti (1927–2012) was one of the most influential figures in Italian Postwar and early Postmodern design, known for her rejection of strict modernist functionalism in favor of historical reference, spatial presence, and narrative depth. Her work consistently approached furniture as inhabitable architecture rather than neutral object. The Arcata series stands as a significant expression of this philosophy, valued for its sculptural clarity, material integrity, and enduring relevance within twentieth-century Italian design. The elements of the set are available both as a complete ensemble and as individual pieces.

GW1387, GW1388, GW1389