In the 1960s, the ‘plastic revolution’ opened up unprecedented opportunities for furniture makers. One of the most iconic of these innovations was the swivelling Pallo by Eero Aarnio, which soon became a symbol of the dynamic era. After Aarnio had built the first prototype at home he presented it to various furniture manufacturers. Only two years later, in 1966, the manufacturer Asko decided to present this pioneering lounge chair at the International Furniture Fair Cologne. Its success was immediate and the Pallo quickly became a popular fixture featured in films, interiors and on numerous magazine covers providing seating for politicians, pop stars, and fashion models alike. Like Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Chair, Aarnio’s design is perched on a single, swivelling central leg cast in aluminium. Echoing Saarinen’s intentions, the Pallo frees the floor of an excessive number of legs and creates the illusion that the seat hovers above the ground while simultaneously rotating around 360 degrees. The Pallo is conceived as a kind of micro-architecture that hides the occupant in a protective eggshell. Upholstered and originally fitted with a red Ericsson telephone – today’s version can connect to the Internet – it creates a cosy private space. In the 1960s this capsule idea echoed a passion for science fiction and spaceships. Today, in the age of mobile connectivity, this concept once more comes across as highly contemporary, offering a comfortable refuge in all kinds of environments.
Text: Anniina Koivu
