Gae Aulenti “Stringa” Three-seater Sofa for Poltronova, 1962

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Gae Aulenti “Stringa” sofa for Poltronova, stainless steel & black leather, Italy, 1962.

Designed by Gae Aulenti in 1962 and originally produced by Poltronova, this “Stringa” sofa serves as a definitive example of Italian radical design. The concept centers on a structural interplay between a rigid, polished chrome tubular steel frame and the soft, tactile quality of its cushions. The name, meaning “lace,” describes the unique method of securing the upholstery within the frame using straps, a move that exposed the structural skeleton rather than concealing it, creating a sense of transparency and lightness.

Aulenti’s approach transformed this seat from a merely decorative object into a functional, modular system. By juxtaposing industrial materials with artisanal assembly, she created a timeless silhouette that remains as aesthetically relevant today as it was in the mid-sixties. This “Stringa” sofa stands as a testament to Aulenti’s ability to marry industrial pragmatism with refined elegance, solidifying its status as a highly sought-after piece of Italian design history.