Eugenio Gerli

Eugenio Gerli (1923–2013) was a key figure in Italian architecture and industrial design, best known for his pragmatic and elegant approach that merged engineering with interior aesthetics.

Partnership with Tecno and Osvaldo Borsani Gerli’s fame is inextricably linked to Tecno, the company founded by the Borsani brothers. starting in 1957, his collaboration with Osvaldo Borsani led to the creation of some of the most innovative office systems of the 20th century:

Graphis System (1967): Perhaps his most revolutionary work. An office system composed of only three basic elements, allowing for infinite combinations. It was a global success and radically changed the concept of the modern workspace.

142 Series (S142, PS142): Iconic armchairs designed for both domestic and professional comfort, often characterized by swivel bases or wheels.

Style and Materials Gerli was an engineer by training (graduating from the Politecnico di Milano in 1949), which was reflected in his constant search for:

Modularity: Creating components that could be assembled in different ways.

Experimentation: He was among the first to explore the use of curved plywood, resin, and felt applied to furniture.

Rigor and Refinement: His pieces, such as the S81 chairs or the T92 table, are appreciated for their “technical elegance,” where the structure is never sacrificed to form, but instead becomes its decorative element.

The Architect Beyond design, Gerli left a significant mark on Italian architecture, designing:

Private villas and luxury condominiums.

Industrial headquarters and bank branches (especially in Milan and Rome).

Renovations of historic buildings.

Eugenio Gerli

Eugenio Gerli (1923–2013) was a key figure in Italian architecture and industrial design, best known for his pragmatic and elegant approach that merged engineering with interior aesthetics.

Partnership with Tecno and Osvaldo Borsani Gerli’s fame is inextricably linked to Tecno, the company founded by the Borsani brothers. starting in 1957, his collaboration with Osvaldo Borsani led to the creation of some of the most innovative office systems of the 20th century:

Graphis System (1967): Perhaps his most revolutionary work. An office system composed of only three basic elements, allowing for infinite combinations. It was a global success and radically changed the concept of the modern workspace.

142 Series (S142, PS142): Iconic armchairs designed for both domestic and professional comfort, often characterized by swivel bases or wheels.

Style and Materials Gerli was an engineer by training (graduating from the Politecnico di Milano in 1949), which was reflected in his constant search for:

Modularity: Creating components that could be assembled in different ways.

Experimentation: He was among the first to explore the use of curved plywood, resin, and felt applied to furniture.

Rigor and Refinement: His pieces, such as the S81 chairs or the T92 table, are appreciated for their “technical elegance,” where the structure is never sacrificed to form, but instead becomes its decorative element.

The Architect Beyond design, Gerli left a significant mark on Italian architecture, designing:

Private villas and luxury condominiums.

Industrial headquarters and bank branches (especially in Milan and Rome).

Renovations of historic buildings.

Privacy Preference Center