Among the most influential figures in 20th-century Portuguese design, Daciano da Costa (1930–2005) stands out for his ability to combine aesthetics, functionality, and cultural identity. An architect, industrial designer, and educator, he helped shape the modern visual language of Portugal’s public and cultural institutions.
A Coherent Aesthetic Between Architecture and Design
Daciano da Costa worked closely with architects to create custom furnishings for libraries, theaters, universities, and hotels. His design language is emblematic of its thoughtful use of wood, clean lines, and a commitment to large-scale functionality. Each piece was part of a broader spatial narrative that blended seamlessly with its architectural context.
The Alfa Chair: A Symbol of Institutional Design
One of Costa’s most iconic pieces is the Alfa Chair (1963), initially designed for the Aula Magna at the University of Lisbon. Made of bent wood and upholstered with discreet elegance, the chair strikes a perfect balance between form and function. Today, it is considered a landmark of Portuguese modernist design and is featured in major exhibitions and design collections worldwide.
National Library of Portugal: A Systemic Project
A significant milestone in Costa’s career was the furnishing of the National Library of Portugal. He designed a full range of modular and efficient furniture tailored to the building’s rationalist architecture. Chairs, desks, and shelving units all reflect his integrated approach, creating a space where design supports purpose and usability.
Teatro Villaret, where Design Meets Scenography
Costa’s work on Lisbon’s Teatro Villaret showcases his ability to seamlessly blend interior design and scenography. He designed the seating, signage, and spatial flow, creating a modern and functional theater environment that reflected Portugal’s cultural evolution during the post-war era.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation: Functional Elegance
Another notable collaboration was with the prestigious Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, for which Costa designed office furniture, auditorium seating, and exhibition spaces. These projects showcase his modular design philosophy and his signature minimalist elegance, prioritizing durability and harmony.
Industrial Design and Modular Innovation
In the 1970s and 1980s, Costa expanded into industrial design, creating modular tables, chairs, and shelving systems specifically designed for schools, public offices, and workplaces. These designs prioritized ergonomics, adaptability, and aesthetic simplicity—an approach that anticipated the needs of contemporary working environments.
A Legacy Preserved and Evolving
Daciano da Costa’s design legacy is now preserved and promoted by the Daciano da Costa Foundation, which manages his archives and organizes cultural and educational initiatives. His work remains a key reference for designers and architects interested in the dialogue between tradition and innovation.
With a career marked by iconic projects and systemic thinking, Daciano da Costa redefined modern design in Portugal. His chairs, interiors, and modular systems continue to inspire with their clarity, intelligence, and cultural significance—making his vision as relevant today as it was half a century ago.
