La « Tavolo con ruote » de Gae Aulenti : une icône radicale comme sur des roulettes
Gae Aulenti’s 1980 'Tavolo con ruote' (Table with wheels) remains a definitive icon of postmodern design, characterized by its radical simplicity. Created during Aulenti's tenure as artistic director of FontanaArte, the piece features a thick glass slab bolted to four industrial trolley wheels, a concept inspired by the factory carts used to transport glass. The table's enduring popularity is highlighted by its recent corporate history, as FontanaArte was acquired by Nemo Lighting in 2024 and subsequently integrated into the Spanish group Kettal in early 2026.
This retrospective analysis underscores Aulenti’s significant impact on a male-dominated architectural field and her ability to elevate industrial utility into high-end domestic furniture. As a 'best-seller' that has transitioned from factory floors to museum collections, the table represents a pivotal moment in 1980s loft aesthetics. Its continued production and the recent consolidation of heritage brands like FontanaArte under Kettal demonstrate the lasting market value and cultural relevance of 20th-century Italian industrial design.