They had come to pay their respects to one of the greats of Austrian design and architecture. In memory of Paolo Piva, who taught the Industrial Design class at the University of Applied Arts Vienna for more than 25 years, Gerald Bast, Marcus Bruckmann (University of Applied Arts Vienna), Marino Folin (Architect, former rector at the Universitá luav di Venezia), Harald Gründl (EOOS, Institute of Design Research Vienna), Lilli Hollein (VIENNA DESIGN WEEK), Wilhelm Holzbauer (Architect) and Gustav Peichl (Architect and caricaturist) recalled his inimitable work. Piva was able to recognize his students’ potential and guide them gently to find their strengths, all while giving them time to search for and find their personal artistic identity, in contrast to the loud and fast spirit of our time. Piva was one of the most significant designers, architects, and professors – and also a friend.