piero lissoni's lightweight piuma chair for kartell uses material found in cars and planes

piero lissoni’s lightweight piuma chair for kartell uses material found in cars and planes

the ‘piuma’ project by italian architect piero lissoni is one of the latest chairs presented by kartell at salone del mobile that marries the company’s innovative use in technology and materials. the result of two years of intensive research, the final design is based on unusual material needed to create piuma’s basic design: a carbon-led thermoplastic polymer compound that gives the structure greater mechanical rigidity and its reduced weight. this compound is taken from completely contrasting sectors of the industry, including automotive and aeronautics.

the chair took two years to develop

fabricated by applying injection moulding techniques in a sophisticated method designed especially for this material, kartell has developed a chair that measures just a few millimeters thick (2 mm maximum) and weighs 2.2 kg. the introduction of a material containing carbon fiber which is injection moulded is a first of its kind. the versatile ‘piuma chair’ is available in a combination of materials; defined by its lightness and slender frame, which is suitable foldable and suitable for outdoor use.

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the body of the chair measures at a few millimeters thick and weighs 2.2 kg

following its presentation at salone del mobile, kartell presents ‘piuma’ during new york design week 2016 at the kartell flagship store, alongside projects by ferruccio laviani, patricia urquiola, antonio citterio, tokujin yoshioka and alessandro mendini. 

the chair is made from a thermoplastic polymer compound explored in car and aeronautics industries

the ‘piuma chair’ on display at the kartell stand during salone del mobile
image © designboom

the product is available in a wide range of colors and is suitable for outdoor use
image © designboom