Interview about Umma Indoor Outdoor Armchair, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2023
Whether looking for a complement to a home decor, or simply a chair for the outdoor space, the Umma armchair is a choice that can transform the environment. The Umma Armchair, has a structure crafted with aluminum, a 100 percentage recyclable material, and nautical rope as coating, while the upholstery has padding and technical fabric, both resistant to water. These materials allow the comfort use of the Umma armchair indoors or outdoors as it is resistant to the action of the weather. Umma Armchair’s design has the possibility to overcome the barrier of time and remains by for many years.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsAbsolutely. The Umma Collection was born from a desire to bridge the elegance of interior furnishings with the resilience needed for outdoor settings. When I began designing the Umma Armchair, I wanted materials that would feel light and effortless yet withstand various environments. Aluminum and nautical rope offered exactly that balance. Aluminum, being durable and recyclable, embodies sustainability, while nautical rope brings a warmth and tactile quality, suggesting a seamless connection between natural and crafted elements.This material choice also aligns with my broader vision for sustainable design. I’m committed to selecting resources that are not only functional but also tell a story about adaptability and respect for the environment. Every piece I create aims to awaken emotions and provide a fresh perspective on materials, merging sustainability with innovative aesthetics in a way that resonates with modern lifestyles.
The inspiration for the Umma Armchair came from the idea of blurring boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious flow that feels effortless and natural. I envisioned a piece that could transition beautifully between settings, capturing a sophisticated coastal aesthetic without sacrificing durability. This led me to design with materials like nautical rope and aluminum, which bring both resilience and visual lightness.The goal was to craft a chair that feels equally at home in a living room as it does by the ocean. Its curves and lack of sharp angles embody a sense of ease and openness, evoking coastal landscapes and inviting relaxation. The Umma Armchair is a reflection of my belief that furniture can connect us to our surroundings, creating spaces that feel grounded yet inspiring, versatile yet unmistakably refined.
The Design Tank immersion in Bento Gonçalves was pivotal for me. Being surrounded by designers and experts who deeply understand materials and production processes brought new perspectives to my creative approach. This experience sharpened my focus on crafting pieces that are as refined in function as they are in form.In developing the Umma Armchair, I applied these insights to balance the technical aspects of durability and weather resistance with a softer, more expressive aesthetic. Working through this blend of structure and artistry taught me how to let the materials shape the design in a way that feels natural yet purposeful, ensuring the piece serves both practical and aesthetic needs without compromise.
Creating the Umma Armchair involved a deep dive into the balance between comfort and aesthetic presence. My approach was to view ergonomics as integral to the design, rather than a separate layer added afterward. I started with sketches that prioritized natural body alignment, exploring how each curve could offer support without interrupting the armchair’s visual flow.From there, I experimented with proportions, ensuring the seat depth, angle, and back height encouraged relaxation while staying true to the piece’s sculptural essence. The goal was to have the armchair invite you to sit while still appearing light and elegant, almost as if it could belong to any environment without dominating it. This careful harmony between form and function became the heart of the Umma Armchair’s design.
Developing the weather-resistant features of the Umma Armchair presented a series of technical challenges, especially in selecting materials that could withstand both sun and moisture without sacrificing style. One key hurdle was ensuring that the aluminum framework remained lightweight yet sturdy enough to resist corrosion, while also harmonizing with the more tactile qualities of the rope.To address this, I collaborated closely with material specialists, experimenting with coatings and testing the resilience of the rope under different conditions. These adjustments influenced not only the structure but also subtle details in the armchair's contours, as I aimed to maintain a clean design that didn’t appear overly industrial. This process ultimately led to a refined piece that doesn’t compromise on elegance or durability, staying true to the spirit of versatile, enduring design.
From the outset, I envisioned the Umma Armchair as part of a versatile family of pieces that could adapt to different needs and settings. This meant designing a foundational form that was flexible enough to transform into complementary pieces without losing its character. By starting with a modular approach, I focused on creating a core structure with proportions and materials that could seamlessly expand into a stool, loveseat, or even a swing, while still maintaining visual cohesion.Throughout the design process, I refined details like the joining points and curvature, knowing these elements would need to adapt across variations. This adaptability was woven into every aspect of the design, allowing each piece to share a unified aesthetic and purpose, yet serve distinct functions, bringing consistency and versatility to the collection as a whole.
Receiving the Bronze A' Design Award for the Umma Armchair is an incredible honor that reinforces my commitment to pushing the boundaries of furniture design. This recognition encourages me to explore even more innovative approaches in future projects, particularly in blending functionality with artistic expression.I envision this achievement as a catalyst for deepening my exploration of sustainable materials and adaptable designs. It inspires me to continue creating pieces that not only serve practical needs but also evoke emotions and connections to their surroundings. This award motivates me to experiment further with form, texture, and the interplay of indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring that each future design remains a conversation piece that reflects my dedication to quality and creativity.
My Brazilian heritage and the rich local design culture have profoundly shaped the aesthetic of the Umma Armchair. Growing up in a vibrant environment filled with natural beauty, I’ve always been inspired by the coastal landscapes, which evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature. This influence is evident in the soft curves and organic forms of the armchair, designed to mirror the fluidity of the ocean and the serenity of beachside living.Additionally, Brazilian craftsmanship, known for its attention to detail and materiality, played a crucial role in shaping the armchair’s construction. I wanted to incorporate elements that reflect both local artistry and a modern sensibility, resulting in a piece that resonates with the relaxed elegance often found in coastal settings. This blend of heritage and contemporary design not only informs the visual appeal of the Umma Armchair but also speaks to the deep-seated values of comfort, community, and connection to the environment that are integral to my work.
While designing the Umma Armchair, I closely observed shifting lifestyle trends and user behaviors that reflect a growing desire for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. People are increasingly looking for environments that foster connection and relaxation, often blurring the lines between these areas. This insight drove me to create a piece that embodies versatility and invites users to enjoy their spaces, whether they’re indoors or out.I also noted the rising importance of outdoor areas as extensions of the home, particularly in urban settings where access to nature may be limited. As a result, I focused on developing a design that not only suits various environments but also enhances the experience of those spaces. By using lightweight, weather-resistant materials, I ensured the armchair could effortlessly adapt to different settings while maintaining a welcoming aesthetic that encourages social interaction and comfort. Ultimately, this awareness of lifestyle trends guided me in creating a piece that resonates with modern living and the evolving needs of users.
Balancing my original design vision for the Umma Armchair with manufacturing requirements and market considerations was a nuanced process. From the beginning, I focused on creating a design that was not only aesthetically appealing but also practical for mass production. This meant working closely with the Sulvimes team to understand their capabilities and the materials available, ensuring that my vision aligned with their manufacturing processes.I prioritized key elements of the design that would resonate with the target market, such as the versatility of the armchair and its adaptability to various environments. While I remained committed to my artistic vision, I was open to iterative adjustments that would enhance manufacturability without compromising the integrity of the design.Additionally, market research played a vital role in guiding my decisions. Understanding consumer preferences and lifestyle trends allowed me to make informed choices about materials and features that would appeal to potential buyers while ensuring the armchair's production remained cost-effective. This collaborative approach ultimately helped me strike a balance, resulting in a commercially viable piece that stays true to my original creative intent.
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