Soriana, the sofa with a complex image achieved with simplicity and coherence
By Athina
Eight appointment with the Design Icon: after Zanuso’s Senior, it’s time for another special seating: the Soriana sofa by the Scarpa couple.
He, the son of an artist, she, a promising architecture student in Venice. In 1959, they met at university, both following Franco Albini’s furniture design course… From that moment, a professional and sentimental partnership was born that would bind Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa for life (doesn’t it make your heart flutter? It does to us).
Refined and sophisticated, the two Venetian designers were protagonists of Italy’s cultural and artistic scene in the last century.
They never adhered to fleeting trends or movements: by using new materials and cutting-edge technologies, they centered their aesthetic research on elegance of form and functionality.
Over the years, they have collaborated with major companies such as Flos, Cassina, B&B Italia, and Knoll.
This week’s design icon is perhaps the most successful and beloved product of the Scarpa couple, awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1970 for the “complexity of the image achieved with remarkably simple and consistent construction and technical means.”
The idea behind the project? “Wrap a bunch of wool in a cloth, making it into a large bundle and give it support and shape (shapeless) simply with an external metal clamp that grips it. The support base is a thin wooden plate.”
Scarpa’s description, while playfully and ruthlessly objective, certainly does not do justice to the beauty of this piece.
With its chrome-plated metal frame, soft polyurethane foam padding (which was just starting to gain popularity in those years), and upholstery available in wool, leather, or velvet, this sofa is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
Our “trio” of Soriana on the Cambiago photo sets
This “bundle” is a seating piece with a sophisticated personality, yet delightfully cheerful. Ideal for those who want to add a touch of charm and a refined retro flavor to their living room without sacrificing comfort.
As always, we are already working on next week’s appointment: if you have any advice or suggestions, they are very welcome.
