CARLO HAUNER & MARTIN EISLER

Martin Eisler (1913-1977), an architect by profession, was born in Austria and obtained his architecture degree in 1936. Due to the upheaval of the Second World War, Eisler was compelled to relocate, first to Czechoslovakia and then, in 1938, to Argentina. It was in Argentina where he established himself as an architect and interior designer, founding his own interior design firm, later known as Interieur Forma. However, drawn by new opportunities, Eisler made a significant decision in the early 1950s, opting to embark on a new chapter in Brazil.

Carlo Hauner (1927-1996), hailing from Italy, received his education in technical drawing and drawing at the prestigious Brera Academy in Milan. Following his successful participation in the Venice Biennale in 1948, Hauner sought fresh horizons and eventually found himself in Brazil. There, he dedicated his talents to the diverse realms of textile design, ceramics, furniture, and architecture. With remarkable acumen, Hauner swiftly established a furniture production company, acquiring a factory from Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Bardi, which he renamed Móveis Artesanal.

In 1953, fate brought Hauner together with Martin Eisler. Eisler, in need of assistance in producing furniture for his brother-in-law Ernesto Wolf’s residence, reached out to Hauner, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. The two men quickly formed a strong connection, and with the financial support of Wolf, they inaugurated Galeria Artesanal, a store affiliated with their company Móveis Artesanal, located on a bustling street in São Paulo. Driven by ambition and a keen eye for the international and emerging office markets, Móveis Artesanal later evolved into Forma, becoming one of the leading names in Brazilian furniture production. Their endeavors even led to an exclusive license to sell Knoll furniture, introducing renowned international designers such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames, and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian furniture market.

The designs of Hauner and Eisler are characterized by Brazilian woods, delicate tubular frames, and a diverse range that encompasses furniture, ceramics, and textiles. Among their most renowned creations are the iconic “Concha” chair, often referred to as the ‘shell’ chair, and the ‘Costella’ lounge chair. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Forma thrived under their leadership until Martin Eisler’s passing in 1977. His original company in Argentina, subsequently renamed Interieur Forma, continues to flourish to this day, a testament to the enduring legacy of his vision.

The contributions of Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner to the field of Brazilian furniture production are indisputable. Their innovative designs, international collaborations, and entrepreneurial spirit propelled Forma to the forefront of the industry during their time. Their enduring legacy remains a testament to their creative prowess and their significant impact on the Brazilian and international design scenes.