Pierre Paulin’s F300 Lands in New York: GUBI Celebrates a Design Icon at NYCxDESIGN
In a fitting tribute to one of the 20th century’s most daring lounge chairs, GUBI has brought Pierre Paulin’s F300 to New York City, reintroducing the visionary 1965 design to a new generation. Unveiled in collaboration with Design Within Reach at their SoHo store during NYCxDESIGN, the chair’s return was marked by a bold in-store installation and an exclusive launch event attended by global design voices, tastemakers, and press.
Photography: Kelsey Cherry, courtesy of GUBI
Originally conceived by Paulin in the mid-1960s, the F300 was a provocative departure from conventional seating — its futuristic form more akin to sculpture than furniture. With no flat surfaces and an enveloping, low-slung shape, it invited users to recline and relax in informal, fluid postures. The piece quickly gained cult status, eventually earning a place in the permanent collection at MoMA.
Now, over half a century later, GUBI has revived the F300 with a sustainable twist. The chair has been reengineered in HiREK®, a lightweight, UV-resistant polymer made from industrial plastic waste. This high-performance material echoes the look and tactile quality of the original fiberglass and polyurethane, while supporting modern sustainability goals — a thoughtful update that brings Paulin’s radical vision into the 21st century.
Photography: Adrian Gaut, courtesy of GUBI
At Design Within Reach in SoHo, the F300 takes center stage in a striking window display that captures its sculptural essence and serene presence. Inside, the installation offers a carefully curated interior setting that amplifies the chair’s flowing lines and futuristic character — a celebration of both heritage and innovation.
Presented in a fresh palette that includes Alabaster White and Pastel Green, the F300 is accompanied by the T877 Side Table, another of Paulin’s designs reissued by GUBI. Together, they form a cohesive duo of modernist forms — functional yet expressive, playful yet poised.
As part of NYCxDESIGN, this installation is more than a product launch; it’s a moment to reflect on Paulin’s enduring influence and the continued relevance of experimental, expressive design. The F300’s return underscores the timeless power of bold ideas — and the role of design in shaping how we live, move, and relax.
