Interview about Gloria Sofa, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2020
Design is not only an external form, but it is also a research on the internal structure, ergonomics and essence of an object. In this case the shape is a very strong component, and it is the cut given to the product that gives it its particularity. The advantage of Gloria has the strength to be 100% customize, adding different elements, materials and finishes. The great peculiarity are all the extra elements that can be added with the magnets on the structure, giving the product hundreds of different shapes.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Gloria Sofa redefines traditional design by exposing its internal structure, creating both an aesthetic statement and functional innovation. Visually, the contrast between the sleek metal frame and upholstered sections adds lightness and a modern, architectural feel.Functionally, the open structure allows for customization through magnetic accessories, enabling users to attach elements like side tables, lamps, or storage units. This modular approach makes the sofa highly adaptable to different needs and spaces, merging design, technology, and personalization in a unique way.
Gloria Sofa’s magnetic system transforms a static sofa into a dynamic, modular piece. Magnets enable easy attachment of accessories like tables and storage, maintaining a clean aesthetic. This flexible design enhances functionality, allowing users to adapt it to different spaces and needs.
No, the initial concept was developed two years before the competition. I originally asked Gloria Trevisan to create emotional sketches to help present the project to companies, but none were interested as it didn’t fit their collections. After the tragedy, I didn’t want to leave the project behind, so I decided to submit it in her memory.
The distinctive cut in the Gloria Sofa’s padding presented a challenge in maintaining structural integrity while achieving its bold aesthetic. To address this, we reinforced the internal frame with a carefully designed support system that ensures stability without adding bulk. High-density foam and precision upholstery techniques were used to maintain comfort and durability, while the exposed structure enhances both the visual impact and functional adaptability of the sofa.
The integration of the glass shelf within Gloria Sofa’s exposed steel structure was driven by both functionality and aesthetics. We wanted to enhance the modular nature of the design while maintaining a sense of lightness and openness. Glass was chosen for its visual transparency, ensuring the sofa retains its sleek, modern appeal without adding visual weight. The adjustability of the shelf allows users to customize the space, adapting it for storage or display, reinforcing the sofa’s versatility and user-centric design.
Gloria Sofa challenges traditional upholstery by exposing part of its structure, integrating a magnetic surface for accessories. This transparency eliminates hidden frames, reducing material use and allowing customization. It redefines manufacturing by merging furniture and modular design principles.
The variable-density polyurethane foam ensures comfort while adapting to the sofa’s exposed structure. Firmer foam supports key areas, while softer sections enhance seating comfort. This balance maintains ergonomic integrity without compromising the sofa’s sleek, open design and modular adaptability.
The need for versatility led to a lightweight metal frame for durability and a magnetic surface for customization. The polyurethane foam balances comfort and practicality, while the open structure ensures adaptability in different environments, from lounges to offices, without overwhelming the space.
Users can attach accessories like side tables, storage units, or lighting to the magnetic surface, adapting the sofa to different needs. This flexibility allows it to function in various settings, from workspaces to homes, encouraging creativity and personalization without altering the core structure.
Gloria Sofa sets a precedent for modular, user-adaptable furniture by merging exposed structure with customization. Future designs may embrace transparency, magnetic modularity, and sustainable material use, encouraging more interactive, personalized, and multifunctional furniture solutions for dynamic living spaces.
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