The hours and the seasons change our outlook, our sense of space, sounds and aromas, perceptions of light and temperature. An endless spectacle to enjoy in total comfort. Spacious sofas, deep armchairs, seats with fluid and slender silhouettes. All the lines of outdoor furnishings spring from research on materials that bring new aspects, to transform indoor into outdoor, or to create products that can be used in both those contexts.
While creating a house in Morocco, David Lopez Quincoces designed the Kasbah sofa produced by Living Divani. It is made of 1×1-meter modules with a solid Burma teak base that creates a forceful horizontal image. The various elements (end, ottoman, corner), for flexible combinations, have cushions or an “inset” roll cushion that functions as an armrest or headrest.
Adapted for the outdoors, the ADD seating system designed by Francesco Rota for Lapalma starts with an elegant seat on an aluminium base, which multiplies to become a modular sofa with removable covering. Various configurations are available, from a simple padded bench to sofas for two, three or four persons.
Sam Hecht and Kim Colin, founders of the London-based studio Industrial Facility, have designed an outdoor seating system for Kristalia, Palco, inspired by pallets, decks and classic outdoor platforms. Palco has a platform made with teak planks, resting on a metal base, to support one or more upholstered modules in a range of different configurations. The platform can be entirely covered with padded parts, or portions can be left empty for use as a low table.
The idea of the sofa meets that of the cot to create the daybed of the Emma Cross collection designed by Monica Armani for Varaschin. The series stands out for its cocoon-like arrangement of the back and armrests. And for its weave, made by hand in fabric ribbon on an aluminium structure.
The Pablo chair (on cover) by Vincent Van Duysen for B&B Italia now comes in an outdoor version. The spirit of the original design lies in the wooden structure, which for Pablo Outdoor becomes teak. The back panels in fabric are attached to easily removable sticks. The low seat is formed by a single fully padded cushion, almost a mattress that creates an ample area, perfect for moments of solitude or socializing.
In 1967 Afra & Tobia Scarpa designed Carlotta for the Cassina Young Play program. Today Cassina transfers the charm of this chair, based on materials in the historical archives, into an item for outdoor use, in collaboration with Tobia Scarpa. The workmanship of the teak reprises the innovative system of joints and interlocks of the original model.
Teak returns in Lodge, the chair designed by Atmosphera Creative Lab, whose structure is tied to a round woven cord to create a soft, strong weave. A true welcoming nest that offers a perfect place for conversation and reading.
The woven motif can also be seen in the Tibes chair designed by Gregorio Facco for Potocco, composed of a structure in powder-coated metal on which to set the seat, entirely made by hand in woven cord. The slightly tapered frontal form permits stacking.
Jasper Morrison has designed the Plato aluminium chair for Magis. The product is completely recyclable, with extruded legs and a die-cast shell, a technology that permits the creation of thinner but also sturdier chassis with respect to those in plastic. A stackable chair available in a range of colors, with or without armrests.
A light silhouette is the feature of the seating in the Koki Wire series, designed by Pocci + Dondoli for Desalto. Created with outdoor use in mind, it is also perfect for interiors. The steel wire, reduced to a minimum of size, generates a body with a solid shape and a forceful, sinuous graphic effect.
Nuta is a seating collection designed by Studio Favaretto for Gaber, in techno-polymer for use in any type of setting. The ample size and ergonomic comfort set the tone, while a thin padded seat offers the possibility of combining modern polymer colors with a wide range of fabrics and eco-leathers.
