Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, Italy, 1972.
This comfortable sofa with original fabric settee is bulky and playful, shaped as if it is merely a large cushion and the accompanying feeling is the same. It is designed by Mario Bellini and was the culmination of research into stuffed furniture. In the Bambole, the piece is reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The whole idea of this cushion is taken very far, as this piece is defined by the precise geometry of stitches and covers. The whole 'Bambole' collection compromised a sofa, daybed, chaise longue and bed. The first prototypes of this collection where stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. Later, in order to improve comfort, the metal frame that was inside in the beginning, and that was required for support, was removed and it was filled with the stuffing itself. Le Bambole was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. On the bottom of the sofa there the original mark of authenticity the manufacturer and the designer.
Mario Bellini (1935) is trained as an architect and became one of the leading designers in postwar Italian style. In the beginning of his career, he worked together with Olivetti and Cassina which resulted in an early knowledge of synthetic resins and polyurethanes. His furniture is exciting, both in its use of material as in the originality of his designs. Bellini did not believe in precise boundaries of design, instead, he designed for the relationship of man and environment. It is impossible to pigeon hole Bellini's oeuvre, as his work is so complex and original.
Mario Bellini (1935) is trained as an architect and became one of the leading designers in postwar Italian style. In the beginning of his career, he worked together with Olivetti and Cassina which resulted in an early knowledge of synthetic resins and polyurethanes. His furniture is exciting, both in its use of material as in the originality of his designs. Bellini did not believe in precise boundaries of design, instead, he designed for the relationship of man and environment. It is impossible to pigeon hole Bellini's oeuvre, as his work is so complex and original.
Literature:
- Morteo, Enrico. Mario Bellini. Furniture, machines and objects. London: Phaidon, 2008, p. 98 - 99.
- Graminga, Giuliana. Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per L'Arredamento Domestico. Allemandi: Torino, 2003, p. 198.
Available 2 sofa LE BAMBOLE
