Dezeen Magazine

Piero Lissoni and Luminaire launch new exhibition with one-off lecture in Chicago

Dezeen promotion: Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni will host a one-off lecture at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Arts next month, to celebrate a new exhibition of his work at design brand Luminaire's showroom.

Glas Italia Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Glas Italia Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Piero Lissoni — Above: Porro Storage by Piero Lissoni

Known for his minimalistic contemporary furniture, Lissoni will discuss his creations and influences in front of an audience of 300 on Tuesday 10 June at 6pm.

Glas Italia Verglas by Piero Lissoni
Glas Italia Verglas by Piero Lissoni

In addition to co-founding Lissoni Associati he is the creative director of product design studios Living Divani, Glas Italia and Porro.

The lecture will coincide with the launch of a month-long multimedia exhibition at Luminaire's space entitled 1:1 Piero Lissoni, which will showcase some of Lissoni's best work in architecture, products and graphic design.

Porro System by Piero Lissoni
Porro System by Piero Lissoni

Scale models of the designer's most recent architectural projects will be on display, including private houses and yachts alongside technical drawings and samples of Lissoni's industrial design products.

Porro Neve chairs by Piero Lissoni
Porro Neve chairs by Piero Lissoni

The exhibition launches right after the lecture, with a private view running from 7pm to 9pm at Luminaire's showroom in 301 West Superior, Chicago, USA. It will then be open to the general public from 11 June to 10 July.

RSVP to reserve a seat for the talk by registering here.

Here's more information from Luminaire:


Celebrating 40 years of enduring partnerships and commitment to bringing the best in contemporary design to the public, Luminaire is honoured to host the internationally-renowned architect and designer Piero Lissoni.

Lissoni has established himself as one of most notable names is contemporary design for his clean, industrial aesthetics while collaborating with many of the world's most notable design companies. His approach begins from a humanistic vision which, for him, is the only one that would make sense to a true designer no matter the medium. He approaches his work with a mastery of proportion and an acute sensitivity for the subtlety that distinguishes the common from the insightful; clear lines, subtle forms and an eye for special materials surround his designs with sophisticated simplicity.

Porro Modern closed
Porro Modern by Piero Lissoni

Piero Lissoni, as main interpreter of Porro design, year after year studies new eye-catching compositions of the company’s three systems: modern day system of containers and suspended tops, storage system of wardrobes, open wardrobes and walk-in closets and System day system of bookcases and equipped walls. He revamps the codes of aesthetics for the living area and sleeping area, enriching the brand’s collection with new products. Among them, some of the company’s iconic pieces, such as the Reflection Mirror, Tiller and the brand-new table Ipe, are exhibited inside Luminaire showroom.

Porro Modern open
Porro Modern by Piero Lissoni
Glas Italia Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Piero Lissoni
Glas Italia Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Piero Lissoni

Inspired by the pure geometry of the square, Piero Lissoni's Modern is a diverse and versatile storage system based on the movement of the square through space. By utilising a module that repeats itself to generate objects different in materials, colours and functional purposes, Modern becomes an adaptable and modular system. These functional aspects are combined with Lissoni's mastery of proportion and detail, ensuring that the resulting designs — no matter the combination of elements — remains consistent and harmonious in form. From wall units to free standing storage, Modern is appropriate for every habitat.

Living Divani Frog Lounge Chairs
Living Divani Frog Lounge Chairs by Piero Lissoni

Piero Lissoni approaches his work for Living Divani with modularity and subtlety. His mastery of proportion distinguishes the common from the insightful; clear lines, subtle forms and an eye for special materials surround his designs with sophisticated simplicity. The Extrawall sofa has a distinctive, regimented style featuring a square design and prominent corners. The seats, backs and arms of sofa are innovatively dimensioned and form the elements that can be freely mixed and matched to shape and outline the product. The island-like design of the Extrawall astonishes for the many combination and covering possibilities that make it hugely adaptable and versatile, able to show its endless faces with elegance and refinement.

Lecture

Lissoni will give a captivating lecture on Tuesday, June 10, 6-7pm, at Museum of Contemporary Arts Theater, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago. Shuttle buses will be available after the lecture for transportation to Luminaire's showroom.

www.luminaire.com