All Photos By Gail

Different designer’s experiments with new materials have marked important, turning points in the history of design. Gaetano Pesce never stopped experimenting with them – in particular with residence. As one could infer fro its name, 1984’s Pratt Chair (3) is one of nine he produced as part of a project for the Pratt Institute, are renowned art, and design school in New York.

Pesce made the chairs by hand-injecting urethane, resin of increasing densities into the same mold. The first chair is so soft that it cannot support its own weight.

The third chair. shown here, stand precariously, able to withstand a small child’s weight on its warped base. Only the ninth chair is strong enough to support an adult.

Photographed in the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.