Aria Journal:
Designer and architect Pierre Guariche (1926–1995) was a leading voice in the modernist design movement in France during the mid-20th Century. Born in Paris in 1926, he went on to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and soon after began exhibiting his work including the G21 Floor Lamp, one of his earliest designs.
Arp Collective
In 1954 he founded the Atelier des Recherches Plastiques (ARP) with Joseph-Andre Motte and Michel Mortier. Together, the three designers created innovative furniture, pushing the boundaries of what was possible, in both technical manufacture and aesthetic form. During the brief four-year period of the ARP project, Guariche designed some of his most notable designs, including the “Tonneau” chair (1954) made from steam bent plywood.
Above: G10 Armchair
Form & Function
In 1957 Pierre Guariche took on a new role as Artistic Director at Belgian furniture manufacturer Meurop. He knew how to bring a personal touch to design, with expertise in series production, creating multiple furniture collections that could be easily produced at scale, fulfilling a vital need during the post-war era in Europe.
Ligne Roset
Ligne Roset have re-issued a capsule collection of Guariche’s designs from the early 60s, demonstrating the longevity of his designs and their continued relevance over six decades on. “The spirit of lightness and economy of materials, which governed Pierre Guariche’s approach, resonates with our philosophy: supplying furniture that will last, intelligently, respectfully, while remaining beautiful,” - Michel Roset
G10 Collection
The G10 Sofa and Armchair are exemplary of the mid-century style, combining an angular frame crafted from wood panels, with upholstered seat and back cushions. The unique feature of the design is its fixing system which allows the armrests to be removed and adjoined, to create a scaled-up series of multiple connected seats or a panoramic settee. Taking on a new life with contemporary production techniques, the collection of design icons has timeless appeal, allowing Guariche’s legacy to live on in today’s interiors.
Above: G10 Armchair and Settee
Vallée Blanche
The Vallée Blanche Chaise Longue, was designed by Guariche in 1963 during a collaboration for an interior design project at La Plagne ski resort. At the time, its elegant, minimalist form garnered much attention from the design scene and secured its place in the Centre Pompidou’s permanent collection. Its undulating silhouette, enhanced by a seamless stretch fabric upholstery, is both visually stunning and supremely comfortable.
La Plagne Ski Resort
The La Plagne ski resort, located at 1900 metres above sea level in the French Alps, was launched in 1961. Pierre Guariche joined the team, led by architect Michel Bezançon, to help develop the interior design elements. He spent a total of twelve years working on the resort, developing interiors for ski apartments, a chapel and cable car stations.
Image of La Plagne courtesy of Ski France
Cable car Aime 2000, img courtesy of Sammode