Vitra Physix Task Chair by Alberto Meda

Founded in 1950, Vitra is a Swiss company dedicated to improving the quality of homes, offices and public spaces through the power of design.

Vitra's furniture and concepts are developed in an intensive design process pairing engineering excellence with the creative genius of leading international designers. The result: interiors, furniture and accessories that are vibrant, functional, and inspiring.

Longevity of materials, construction and aesthetics are Vitra's leading principles, as demonstrated by their Classics – many in continuous production since the 1950s. Initiatives like the Vitra Campus architecture, the Vitra Design Museum, workshops, publications, collections and archives are all integral elements of Vitra's vision and culture.

Born in 1945 in Tremezzina, Italy, Alberto Meda studied mechanical engineering at the Milan Polytechnic.

From 1972 to 1979 he was technical director for Kartell, after which he worked as a freelance designer for companies including Alias, Alessi, Cinelli, Colombo Design, Ideal Standard, Luceplan, Legrand, Mandarina Duck, Omron Japan, Philips, Olivetti and Vitra.

Between 1981 and 1987 he also served as a project consultant for Alfa Romeo and taught industrial technology at the Domus Academy in Milan. He became a docent at the Milan Polytechnic in 1995, and served on the board of Designlabor Bremerhaven.

Since 2003 Meda has taught at the University IUAV of Venice and lectured in places including Chicago, St. Louis (Washington University), Stockholm, Boisbuchet (Vitra Design Museum Workshops), Miami, São Paulo, Ulm, Istanbul and Toronto.

Alberto Meda has collaborated with Vitra since 1994. During this time, his elegant designs for office chairs and a variety of tables have made a significant contribution to the success of Vitra's Office Collection.