42
43
True Heritage
100+10 Years of True Evolution
Pure forms determined by the geo-
metric juxtaposition of only two elements,
and by the expressive contrast between the
materials. Designed by Lella (1934-2016) and
Massimo Vignelli (1931-2014), the two tables,
Mesa and Mesa Due, fully reflect the
couple’s guiding design principles: simplicity,
clarity, rules of practice, analysis of context
and suitability.
Mesa is characterised by a circular plane
positioned on a cone base. Mesa Due has a
rectangular top placed on two cone-shaped
bases, generating a sculptural effect and an
austerity that is conveyed by the simplicity
of the design. Austerity, but also richness of
materials; Mesa has a top made of Ligurian
slate, which, thanks to the traditional split-
ting technique, keeps the rock’s natural
grooves and lines on the surface. The load
bearing column is available in grey Pietra
Serena or upholstered in leather, and is con-
nected with tubular burnished steel, upon
which rests a three-bracket support that
allows the height of the top to be calibrated.
The tops can also be made of wood, leather
and marble, giving the design a different
atmosphere and suggesting different uses,
from residential to office. In fact, Mesa and
Mesa Due were also conceived as meeting
tables for the workplace. The top of the
Mesa Due Meeting Table is made up of
several panels, and is therefore expandable
to different lengths. All the tables can be
integrated with cable outlet system and
optional central door panels.
The functional versatility of the design,
but above all the research into types of furni-
ture for the workplace, are part of the long
and fruitful collaboration between Lella and
Massimo Vignelli and Poltrona Frau. This
collaboration, especially in the 1980s and
1990s, revolutionised the concept of execu-
tive offices and waiting areas: simple and
functional, but rich in warmer materials and
tactile textures such as leather, and made
with unprecedented primary colours.
(1985) — 2015/2016
Lella and Massimo Vignelli
Mesa,
Mesa Due
possible � nishes
for the top: leather,
saddle-leather, wood,
marble or stone
diameter of the top
for Mesa
dimensions
of the top for Mesa Due
diameter of the version
of the table
with the Lazy Susan,
a superimposed rotating
top made possible
by an aluminium
mechanism that swivels
on steel bearings
between the two tops
120/150 cm
260x160 cm
180 cm
5