AeO armchair

Paolo Deganello

Designed in 1973, the AEO chair is a radical piece of postmodern design by Paolo Deganello, a founding member of the avant-garde collective Archizoom. Produced by Cassina, the AEO was the last chair developed under the Archizoom name and remains a striking example of functional deconstruction. With its tubular steel frame, exposed joints, and mix of materials — including a stretched fabric back, removable cushions, and visible fastenings — the AEO chair challenges traditional aesthetics while offering comfort and modularity. Its experimental, almost industrial look reflects the countercultural spirit of the 1970s and the Italian Radical Design movement. Today, the AEO is celebrated as a collectible design icon that merges conceptual art with everyday utility.