Transparency, colour and lightness are at the heart of PedraliColoursofLightness, the concept behind the exhibition space that the contemporary design furniture company for the contract and home sectors has created for the 62nd edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano.
The Milanese DWA Design Studio was responsible for the design of the exhibition space, which proved that it really knows how to give shape to lightness by creating an ethereal and dreamlike environment defined by transparencies and characterised by the skilful use of colour and light materials. The entire space took the form of a pure architectural volume of over 900 square metres, created with a light blue gauze that gave visitors the possibility of glimpsing and perceiving the inside of the stand.
To accentuate the idea of lightness, a fabric sail on the ceiling recalls the motion of the air, like floating sails moved by the wind, recreating an almost transparent ceiling in a cerulean colour that, thanks to a play of delicate overlaps, gives an architectural rhythm to the area. In order to pursue the sustainable approach that has always guided the company, attention was also paid, right from the design stage, to the materials used, the optimisation of raw material consumption and the rationalisation of resources, the reuse and/or recycling of materials and disassemblability in the realisation of the stand. All the elements used in the stand were designed to be disassemblable and reusable, thus maximising the durability and sustainability of the space design. The sky-blue colour of the architecture, which acts as a backdrop and creates continuity, is flanked in the various rooms by equally soft and delicate tones, recalling the nuances of the sky during the day, while more intense and decisive notes of colour characterise the products presented, which are thus placed in the spotlight within the scene. Even the design of the greenery recalls the sustainability approach that Pedrali has always pursued: nature is the protagonist of all spaces and defines shades of colour that recall the different seasons.
Pedrali at its 35th participation at the Salone del Mobile proposes no less than eleven new indoor and outdoor collections, which act as the leitmotif of the entire exhibition, which symbolically proposes to the visitor a promenade winding through seven environments, allowing the visitor to immerse himself in the atmosphere of a sunny day, passing from the cold tones of the early morning to the warm tones typical of sunset.
Among the novelties on offer is Twiny, a collection of carpets born from the collaboration with DWA Design Studio with the aim of making the atmosphere of outdoor environments more welcoming and intimate. The line includes two different models, both made of twill and defined by a discreet graphic sign: one striped and one diagonal. They are made from a rope obtained by weaving a polypropylene yarn, which is strong but at the same time soft. Thanks to their refined appearance, they find their place within sets, complementing both indoor and outdoor spaces and adding a distinctive contemporary feature.
Rizz is the new table designed by Robin Rizzini: made of aluminium, it guarantees strength and lightness at the same time. Rizz’s distinctive feature are the four tapered die-cast aluminium legs that, from a triangular section open outwards, vary their curve as they converge downwards, tapering into a round section and resting elegantly on the ground. The fluid curve that distinguishes and designs the leg is directed towards the centre of the top, thus optimising the space for seating. A structural solidity concealed by a cleanness of form characterises this table, which integrates the legs with a supporting structure concealed under the top, so as to ensure aesthetic lightness and maximum stability, to support even thin but large shelves.
Buddy Oasi is the new line to enrich the Buddy upholstered collection. Designed by Busetti Garuti Redaelli, this collection is a system of generously sized outdoor poufs and sofas that maintains the contrast between the full volumes of the seat and the lightness of the legs typical of the Buddy family. The distinguishing feature of Buddy Oasis are the movable backrests in polyurethane foam with a soft, elongated shape that can be easily and freely positioned on the pouf, allowing different configurations to be created as required. The presence of a ballast and a non-slip fabric gives the backrests stability.
Another Pedrali novelty is also aimed at the outdoors, the Philía seating collection designed by Odo Fioravanti, which picks up on the lines of traditional Italian outdoor chairs, an echo of a carefree and relaxed lifestyle typical of the dolce vita in the open air of the 1960s. A chair and an armchair characterised by rational, geometric lines that blend with softer forms typical of the human body. Philía is distinguished by a strong tubular steel frame, while the seat and backrest are wrapped in a plastic webbing with an embossed surface which, warped
horizontally, creates a central crossing that guarantees elasticity and resistance.
Moving indoors, the newcomers include Stiel, designed by Sebastian Herkner who was inspired by elegance and refinement. Characterised by soft, rounded shapes, Stiel features a steel tube frame with sinuous curves and a soft, generous polyurethane foam padding. The two elements, harmoniously combined, make this collection comfortable and characterised by meticulous attention to detail. The collection comprises chair, armchair, also in a lounge version, and stool in two heights. In the armchairs, the enveloping curve of the armrests is skilfully
moulded to give continuity to the profile that attaches to the frame, with no visible screws.
Lightness and comfort are the origin of Héra Straw, the new collection by Patrick Jouin, made of ash or American walnut. The backrest, made of three-dimensional curved plywood, is pleasant to grip and is characterised by elegance and ergonomics. The seat is made of cellulose rope hand-woven in Italy and gives the armchair a warmer, more natural look. A water-repellent treatment of the rope itself ensures greater resistance of the seat, as well as better maintenance. The perfectly integrated oval-section legs contribute to a sculptural character.
With Colours of Lightness, Pedrali creates a complete representation of its design approach that is attentive to the aesthetics, functionality, innovation and sustainability of its products. These ideals are perfectly summed up in the tableau that marks the middle of the exhibition itinerary, which recreates a sort of canvas-meridian that marks time, marked by subtle changes in the light. This tableu creates a real live moodboard that allows visitors to immerse themselves and get to know the Pedrali universe: a collection of objects, photos, videos, materials, fabrics, samples of finishes and products. At the centre of the table, a special version of Hevea, proposed at full height: a furnishing accessory designed by Victoria Azadinho Bocconi conceived to bring nature into indoor environments. A transversal object that allows plants to be organised by exploiting space vertically. Integrated in this special version are monitors in which videos are played that narrate the company, offering an in-depth view of the values of the Pedrali world, its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Photo by Ottavio Tomasini
