From 24 to

Designed in 1956 for Rima, the Du 24 chair represents an interesting evolution of Gastone Rinaldi's research into comfort achieved through the structural elasticity of metal.

Technical Profile and Innovation

The unique feature of this model lies in its special metal frame: the seat and backrest surfaces are conceived as two independent turnovers with no continuity between them. This solution allows the padding to be slipped on like covers directly over the corresponding parts of the frame. Being suspended relative to the supporting structure behind, the seat and backrest harness the flexibility of the tubular steel to adapt dynamically to external pressure.

Construction Details

Regarding the use of materials, Rinaldi chose an oval-section tubular steel for the entire C-shaped section with folded ends. This technical measure served to better withstand the dynamic pressures of the seat without having to excessively increase its diameter, thus maintaining the visual lightness typical of his design language.

Success and Historical Context

The model enjoyed moderate commercial success, evidenced by the fact that its patent (for industrial invention no. 559629) was renewed nine years after its initial filing. The validity and appeal of the Du 24 design were also confirmed by less fortunate events, such as the legal disputes the company had to face due to plagiarism attempts by other firms. The same structural concept would be proposed again by Rinaldi two years later for the Pk and Dione armchairs.