101 - HANNES WETTSTEIN (Switzerland, 1958–2008) for Molteni&Co.

HANNES WETTSTEIN (Switzerland, 1958–2008) for Molteni&Co. Set of four “Alfa” chairs, Italy, 2001. 1 edition. SMC resin, lacquered in black. They bear the manufacturer’s stamp. Measurements: 80 x 44 x 50 cm; 46 cm (seat height). Set consisting of four black SMC resin chairs. Designed in 2001 by Swiss designer Hannes Wettstein (1958–2008) for the Italian firm Molteni&C, the Alfa chair represents an approach to contemporary design based on formal synthesis, technical innovation, and structural clarity. The Alfa’s distinctive feature lies in its construction, achieved using just two elements: one forms the backrest and extends into the rear legs; the other constitutes the seat and continues to form the front legs. In recognition of this design, the Alfa received the ICFF Editors Award in 2001, an honor presented at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. Hannes Wettstein was a Swiss industrial designer. He founded his Zurich-based studio in 1991. After his death, his partner Stephan Hürlemann continued the studio under the name Studio Hannes Wettstein AG, which was renamed Hürlemann AG in 2016. In addition to his work as a designer, Wettstein was a professor at ETH Zurich from 1991 to 1996 and a professor at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design from 1994 to 2001. After training as a structural draftsman, Hannes Wettstein initially worked as an exhibition designer. He continued his self-taught education and became a freelance designer in the early 1980s. In 1991, he founded his international agency based in Zurich. Wettstein has designed a wide range of everyday products—from medical devices to binoculars, massage chairs, pens, and watches—for various companies such as Cassina, Bosch, Brionvega, Lamy, and Carl Zeiss.