Triennale

The Triennale chair is an example of Yrjö Kukkapuro’s early exploration of functional form and minimalist innovation—the design tenets that came to define his design language.

The Triennale chair has a lightweight metal frame paired with wooden seat components and loose cushions, arising from Kukkapuro’s commitment to simplicity and practicality. Its slender, light design contrasts with the functionality of its wide wooden armrests. While the original foldable version prioritised adaptability, the updated model, reintroduced in 2023, focuses on stability while preserving the chair’s distinctive character. The once-foldable metal frame has been reworked, retaining its original aesthetic while incorporating subtle updates, such as a taller backrest to accommodate modern proportions.

Designed as a prototype for the Milan Triennial, where it received an award, the Triennale Chair exemplifies Kukkapuro’s early ingenuity and adaptability. After decades of being out of production, this reintroduced design brings Kukkapuro’s early experimentation into the present, reaffirming the relevance of his work. The revived Triennale continues to honour sustainable design principles into the present.

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