Gaetano Pesce was an Italian architect and designer celebrated for his experimental and expressive approach to furniture, architecture, and industrial design. Known for challenging traditional ideas of form and production, his work often combines bold colour, unconventional materials, and sculptural shapes. Pesce believed that design should reflect individuality rather than strict uniformity, creating objects that feel both artistic and deeply personal.
A brief history
Gaetano Pesce was born in La Spezia, Italy, in 1939 and studied architecture at the IUAV University of Venice. During the 1960s he became associated with radical design movements in Italy, exploring new ways of using materials such as polyurethane foam and resin to create expressive, unconventional furniture.
B&B Italia — Modern Italian Design Excellence
Work with B&B Ittalia
Gaetano Pesce’s collaboration with B&B Italia produced some of the most radical and influential furniture designs of the late twentieth century. His work with the brand explored new materials and manufacturing techniques, particularly the use of polyurethane foam, allowing furniture to take on soft, sculptural forms that challenged traditional design conventions.
The most iconic result of this collaboration is the UP5_6 Chair, part of the UP Series introduced in 1969. The design features a large, enveloping armchair paired with a spherical ottoman connected by a cord, creating a powerful visual statement while also offering deep, comfortable seating. The piece became a landmark of radical Italian design and remains one of B&B Italia’s most recognised creations.
Pesce’s work with B&B Italia demonstrated how industrial production could be used to create expressive, unconventional furniture. By combining innovative materials with bold artistic ideas, his designs helped redefine what modern furniture could be.
