Models

Models

The body of work developed by Gastone Rinaldi during his time at RIMA and, subsequently, at Thema focuses on a long and methodical investigation into the concept of the chair. Through the development of cantilevered structures, rod and tubular metal frames, electro-welded wire mesh, and folding, dismantling, or stacking mechanisms, his projects reflect an evolving exploration of structure, materials, ergonomics, and form.

Thematic collections

Key pieces

A selection of projects that marked the evolution of Italian industrial design. It includes award-winning models such as the DU30 chair, Compasso d’Oro in 1954, the Saturno sofa, now in the MoMA's permanent collection, and the Dafne chair. Objects that bear witness to Rinaldi's highest formal and structural intuitions.

5

models

Key pieces

A selection of projects that marked the evolution of Italian industrial design. It includes award-winning models such as the DU30 chair, Compasso d’Oro in 1954, the Saturno sofa, now in the MoMA's permanent collection, and the Dafne chair. Objects that bear witness to Rinaldi's highest formal and structural intuitions.

5

models

Key pieces

A selection of projects that marked the evolution of Italian industrial design. It includes award-winning models such as the DU30 chair, Compasso d’Oro in 1954, the Saturno sofa, now in the MoMA's permanent collection, and the Dafne chair. Objects that bear witness to Rinaldi's highest formal and structural intuitions.

5

models

Anni Rima (1948–1974)

The production carried out between 1948 and 1974 at the family company. The inventory explores the pioneering experimentation on tubular metal, heat-sealed mesh, and polyurethane foams, witnessing the partnership between technical practice and aesthetic rigor

15

models

Anni Rima (1948–1974)

The production carried out between 1948 and 1974 at the family company. The inventory explores the pioneering experimentation on tubular metal, heat-sealed mesh, and polyurethane foams, witnessing the partnership between technical practice and aesthetic rigor

15

models

Anni Rima (1948–1974)

The production carried out between 1948 and 1974 at the family company. The inventory explores the pioneering experimentation on tubular metal, heat-sealed mesh, and polyurethane foams, witnessing the partnership between technical practice and aesthetic rigor

15

models

Thema Years (1977-1989)

Founded in 1977, Thema marks Rinaldi's maturity. The exploration of "complementary furniture" evolves bending techniques and the need for stackability. Pieces like Dafne and Arianna bear witness to a synthesis that reduces volumes to respond with rigor to modern living.

5

models

Thema Years (1977-1989)

Founded in 1977, Thema marks Rinaldi's maturity. The exploration of "complementary furniture" evolves bending techniques and the need for stackability. Pieces like Dafne and Arianna bear witness to a synthesis that reduces volumes to respond with rigor to modern living.

5

models

Thema Years (1977-1989)

Founded in 1977, Thema marks Rinaldi's maturity. The exploration of "complementary furniture" evolves bending techniques and the need for stackability. Pieces like Dafne and Arianna bear witness to a synthesis that reduces volumes to respond with rigor to modern living.

5

models

Reissues

A collection dedicated to historical projects that, due to their unaltered ergonomic and aesthetic validity, have been reintroduced into the catalogs of prominent contemporary publishers, such as Poltrona Frau and Tacchini. This selection confirms the enduring relevance of Rinaldi's method, demonstrating the timeless value of his research.

8

models

Reissues

A collection dedicated to historical projects that, due to their unaltered ergonomic and aesthetic validity, have been reintroduced into the catalogs of prominent contemporary publishers, such as Poltrona Frau and Tacchini. This selection confirms the enduring relevance of Rinaldi's method, demonstrating the timeless value of his research.

8

models

Reissues

A collection dedicated to historical projects that, due to their unaltered ergonomic and aesthetic validity, have been reintroduced into the catalogs of prominent contemporary publishers, such as Poltrona Frau and Tacchini. This selection confirms the enduring relevance of Rinaldi's method, demonstrating the timeless value of his research.

8

models

All selected models

The inventory presented here traces the technical and formal evolution of some of Rinaldi's best-known projects, which illustrate an approach to design based on a rigorous synthesis between experimentation with materials, the demands of mass production, and close collaboration with the workforce at RIMA and Thema.

This selection represents key models, among the most recognized and loved.
A more comprehensive cataloging is published in the book.