Paolo Piva, one of the most successful international designers and architects, regarded design as “a continuous process which starts with consciousness”. This is how he saw his work too: design is not merely the product of a certain idea or commission, but develops out of a continuous occupation with the theory of design.
Paolo Piva (1950-2017) studied architecture under Prof. Carlo Scarpa in Venice and wrote his dissertation on the topic “Vienna from 1918 to 1934 – socialist council housing in Vienna”. Vienna and Venice were the focal points of his life. He had studios in both cities and also was teaching at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna. Both cities were an inspiration for his success: “Vienna motivates me intellectually, and in Italy I profit from spontaneous vitality.” Piva has not only created designs for many renowned furniture companies, but also for numerous impressive buildings.