unrealized prototypes by modernist architect vjenceslav richter awaken from archival dreams

PROSTORIA REINTERPRETS VJENCESLAV RICHTER’S MODERNIST ARCHIVE

Croatian brand Prostoria unveils a long-term cultural initiative that breathes life into the archival dreams of architect Vjenceslav Richter. Debuting first at Salone del Mobile 2026 and then at the brand’s flagship store in Chicago during NeoCon as the US premiere, the ‘Revisiting Richter’ collection serves as a bridge between the golden age of Croatian modernism and the contemporary landscape. Rather than a static re-edition, the project acts as a dialogue through design, evolving archival concepts into furniture thoughtfully adapted for modern-day living.

As a widely respected figure whose significant influence on European modernism has been largely overlooked, Vjenceslav Richter (1917-2002) dedicated his career to public pavilions and urban projects that defined Croatia’s modernist identity. This new collection, featuring 20 pieces across five series, marks the first time his unrealized prototypes, sketches, and unfinished thinking have been transformed into fully realized productions. By revisiting these archival dreams, Prostoria continues the work of a modernist master, allowing visionary ideas to move from the drawing board into the contemporary home.

Richter collection 2026 in the South Salon at Villa Zagorje | all images courtesy of Prostoria

RICHTER’S WORK EXPLORES ARCHITECTURE, ART, AND THEORY

Vjenceslav Richter (1917-2002) was a preeminent Croatian architect, artist, and theorist whose interdisciplinary approach defined a significant chapter of post-war modernism. As a founding member of the avant-garde group EXAT 51, he championed the synthesis of visual arts, positioning regional practice within a global modernist context. His visionary career was marked by high-profile projects for the Yugoslav Pavilion at Expo 58 in Brussels, as well as contributions to the Milan Triennale, the Venice Biennale, and the Guggenheim New York.

Richter’s philosophy was rooted in a systems-based approach that blurred the boundaries between urbanism and the objects within it, treating space as a unified, experiential system. Despite his international recognition and influence on the New Tendencies movement, many of his furniture designs never progressed beyond the prototype stage.

A DIALOGUE THROUGH DESIGN FROM ARCHIVE TO PRODUCTION

Acting as researchers, archivists, and engineers, Prostoria’s design team has drawn on Richter’s geometry and systems-based approach as guiding principles to evolve his early sketches into fully realized productions. Rather than simply reproducing historical pieces, the brand has worked to reinterpret the designs for modern use, a process that involved refining proportions, improving ergonomics, and adapting construction methods while meticulously maintaining the internal logic of the original works.

A key example of this evolution is the VR61 chair, originally conceived for the Italia 1961 exhibition in Turin. The updated design preserves its sculptural symmetry while introducing new structural solutions and improved comfort, resulting in a piece that remains faithful to Richter’s vision while meeting the demands of contemporary living.

VR51 Chair by Vjenceslav Richter, 1951

This research-led process is rooted in Prostoria’s unique position as a design-led company where R&D, engineering, and manufacturing are integrated under one roof at its Croatian factory. This integrated approach allows ideas to be tested, adjusted, and brought into use within a space of continuous development. By bringing Richter’s work into production, the brand serves as an ambassador for Croatia’s modernist heritage, ensuring that Richter’s visionary concepts continue to live and evolve within a global design context.

VR58 Chair, by richter+, 2026

VR53 Easy Chair, by Vjenceslav Richter, 1953; VR53 Easy Chair With Armrests, by richter+, 2026; and VR53 Low table, by richter+, 2026

VR61 Easy Chair, by Vjenceslav Richter, 1961; VR61 Table, by richter+, 2026; and VR61 Low Table, by richter+, 2026

VR61 Lounge Chair, by Richter+, 1961

VR61 Chair, by Vjenceslav Richter, 1961

project info:

collection: Revisiting Richter brand: Prostoria | @prostoria architect: Vjenceslav Richter

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