Living en plein air is associated with freedom, relaxation, as well as safe convivial moments, which are more important than ever today. In tune with this scenario, the new outdoor creations stand out for a very light look and spirit.
Just consider the Fynn Outdoor seating by Minotti: design duo GamFratesi has combined Scandinavian values with those of the Italian tradition, in a project based on fine workmanship. The armrests are long and slightly curved, entirely made by hand: their shape is the identifying feature of the entire family of furnishings. The armchair and smaller chairs have an essential structure in teak, with woven cord for a wicker effect in the color Fango.
Eugeni Quitllet for Desalto narrate the creation of the Strong collection, which brings together force and poetry: “The idea was to use air to give form to new concepts, to take the shortest path towards a solution through a continuous form… Nothing more, nothing less.” The stool, the bar table and the chair feature curved steel tubing as the structural core of the collection.
Minimal design and elegant simplicity are the main characteristics of the ADD T table designed by Francesco Rota for Lapalma. Two tables or more can also be combined in a continuous surface, thanks to the two external aluminium legs that seem to blend together.
The Petale chair by Expormim comes from a precise request made to the studio MUT Design to reduce the range of materials utilized, but without compromising practicality. The response? A seat with the enveloping shape of a petal, made in stainless steel tubing and fabric. The measurements have been reduced to adapt to contract projects, and the stackable design makes for easy transport.
The Origine lighting by Davide Groppi is also delicate (by Davide Groppi and Giorgio Rava). The light is soft and enveloping, starting from the ground to reach towards the sky; the outdoor version is ideal for brightening the facades of private buildings.
The Spectra UX umbrella from the company Umbrosa also gets back to basics, created to use as few parts as possible, and only pure materials. The Architecture model is the most elegant, based on tones of gray and ready for perfect insertion in any setting.
A good example of the balance between lightness and durability is provided by the Anatra collection designed by Patricia Urquiola for Janus et Cie. The line now includes modular seats and two new lounge models, all featuring the detail of handwoven cord. The teak structure welcomes deep cushions for maximum outdoor comfort.
The Nodi modular sofa by Tribu is airy, with ultra-soft padding; the designers of Yabu Pushelberg have created a framework in solid stainless steel with powder coating and a low profile. Thanks to the natural curve of the structure and the open weaving in Canax®, the sofa conveys a sense of lightness and adaptability, with three interchangeable seating elements and four depths.
For a cocooning effect, Varaschin offers the Emma Daybed Compact, an ideal piece for relaxing in harmony with natural surroundings. The woven motif is a constant in the whole Emma collection, and the high back of this daybed becomes its maximum expression.
Inspired by one of the unique virgin beaches of southern Spain, the Bolonia collection by Isimar is an ode to lightness, including seats, settees and tables in galvanized polyester powder-coated steel. The materials are durable, suitable for intensive use and resistant to weathering, making the furnishings perfect for indoor and outdoor use, also for contract applications.
If relaxing is to be followed by a lunch or dinner in the open air, the super-compact Roller Kitchen designed by Massimo Castagna for Exteta – available in two modules, 120 and 180 cm – reveals its readiness for practical movement. The purity of the steel goes well with the warmth of the wood, and the curved steel handle makes movement even more fluid, while adding a retro touch.
