Pitti Uomo Firenze, Florence Fashion Trade Fair, Communal Seating Design
Archetto, Pitti Uomo, Italy : Fashion Trade Fair Florence
Communal Seating, Italy – design by Sybarite
14 Jan 2012
Communal Seating Design
Location: Pitti Uomo, a large fashion trade fair held in Florence, Italy
Design: Sybarite
Concept
Presenting a solution for communal seating which is adaptable on many levels, the Archetto was initially designed for the Buyer’s Club at the 2011 Pitti Uomo, a large fashion trade fair held in Florence, Italy. The brief was to make the best use of a small temporary space, to give substance and luxury to what could otherwise be boring and nondescript. The fluid ‘bow’ shape is both aesthetic and functional: it maximises seating capacity while gathering people together, encouraging conversation and sociability. The back of the structure sweeps up from seating height to form a screen, allowing a degree of privacy without creating a barrier. Avoiding abrupt edges which might make it feel closed off, the seat wraps around itself, inviting newcomers to sit down and join the conversation.
Its lightweight structure and modular construction makes it simple to transport and reutilise in new locations, making it ideal for trade fairs and temporary show rooms. The design would readily transfer to more permanent usage in bars, restaurants or residential projects as well as breakout spaces or meeting rooms in offices. It’s scale and sculptural form make it well-suited to any setting, from a Medici palazza to the Guggenheim in New York to a modern office environment.
The Archetto also featured in Interni Magazine’s Mutant Architecture exhibition at the 2011 Salone del Mobile design festival in Milan. The sleek and slightly futuristic style contrasted particularly well against the historic courtyard of L’Ospedale Maggiore which housed the exhibition.
Construction
Archetto is constructed of high density foam which is CNC milled from a CAD-CAM file to ensure precision cutting. It’s finished in white flowcoat, a GRP lacquer similar to that used in yachts, ensuring the structure is suitable for external use. It’s lightweight and constructed in five pieces, making it easy to both assemble and transport. Practical for a showroom or office setting, connectivity is ensured by multiple power points set into the stainless steel skirting. Optional PVC-upholstered cushioning maintains a sleek look while enhancing comfort in a lounging situation. Archetto measures 5 m x 3.5 m x 1.5.
Seating Design at Pitti Uomo – Information
Client: Pitti Uomo Buyer’s Club, Firenze, Italy
Architect: Sybarite London, UK
Manufacturer: Marzorati Ronchetti Cantù, Italy (www.marzoratironchetti.it)
Completed: Jan 2011
Photographs: Federico Ambrosi (at Pitti Uomo); Cristiano Corte (outside photos at Salone del Mobile)
Pitti Uomo Firenze images / information from Sybarite
Location:Firenze, Italy
New Buildings in Florence
Florence Architectural Projects
Florence Architectural Design – chronological list
Florence Architecture Walking Tours
Florence Architecture
Florence TAV Station
Foster + Partners
image : Foster + Partners
Florence TAV Station
Scandicci New Centre
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
image : 7-t ltd
Scandicci New Centre
University Hall of Residence, Novoli
c+s associati
image from architect
Student Housing Florence
Sesto Fiorentino – Gymnasium, nr Florence
Fabio Capanni
photo from KME Awards
Sesto Fiorentino
Comments / photos for the Archetto – Fashion Trade Fair Florence page welcome
Pitti Uomo Firenze – page
