The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design
The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

The Milano armchair is a symbol of how architecture and design can merge to create unique experiences. Embodying the dynamism of the city that inspires it, the Milano armchair by 29 MILANO transforms the act of sitting into a ritual of introspection and reflection, capable of adapting to everyday life and urban context. A true microcosm of style, elegance, and innovation.

An architectural microcosm that welcomes the body and soul

In the realm of design, seating is much more than a mere functional element: it represents a point of contact between body and space, where the act of sitting down becomes a primary action of inhabiting. In every chair or armchair, the architect condenses a worldview, expressing through shapes and materials not only the idea of rest, but a reflection on space and society. Renowned is the statement by British architect Peter Smithson, who defines the chair as: a miniature city, a place that reflects the complexity of urban and social life.

Among the objects that exemplify this fusion of philosophy and functionality is the Milano armchair, designed by Paolo Lettieri for the studio 29 MILANO. More than just a seat, it presents itself as a personal refuge, an aesthetic icon that responds to its time, transforming into a symbol of introspection and comfort. The design of the Milano armchair seems to perfectly embody the concept that Smithson had theorized.

The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

Design as a tribute: homage to an inspiring city

The Milano armchair is much more than a visual tribute to the city it is named after. Paolo Lettieri wanted to create an object that engages with the contemporary architecture of the metropolis. The main inspiration is the Isozaki Tower, one of the skyscrapers symbolizing the urban renewal of Milan. This vertical thrust is reflected in the bold and dynamic shape of the armchair's backrest, which not only evokes an architectural symbol but also embodies a design philosophy.

The armchair stands as a statement of belonging: it represents the modernist spirit of the city and architectural innovation, but at the same time invites those who use it to pause, to find a personal space within a broader context. Like a private square in the heart of the home, the Milano armchair becomes a point of balance between urban dynamism and domestic intimacy.

The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

Innovation and tradition: a perfect synthesis

One of the most surprising aspects of the Milano armchair is how it integrates technology and craftsmanship. Its internal structure is made of Polimex®, a composite material that combines expanded polystyrene and structural polyurethane, offering robustness and lightness without sacrificing sustainability. This approach reduces CO2 emissions by up to 60%, demonstrating the studio's commitment to a more ecological design.

The covering in natural Primofiore leather, handcrafted, and the base in bronze, artisanally cast, evoke traditional techniques, giving the object a unique artistic value. Each armchair is equipped with an NFC chip that, thanks to blockchain technology, certifies the uniqueness and authenticity of the piece, ensuring a secure and transparent purchasing experience. This dialogue between digital and craftsmanship makes the Milano armchair a bridge between the past and the future, recalling the values of craftsmanship and modernity that characterize the city it is named after.

The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

Comfort and functionality: the experience at the center of the project

Every aspect of the Milano armchair has been designed to ensure comfort and ergonomics, further refined thanks to the feedback received during the Milan Design Week 2024. The seat has been redesigned, shortened by 4 cm and raised by 2 cm to improve lumbar support and ensure greater stability.

These details, in addition to enhancing the physical experience, give the object a character that reflects care and attention for the end user. The Milano armchair is not just a piece of furniture, but an invitation to live in space consciously, offering a refuge of elegance and comfort.

The armchair Milano: a meeting between architecture and design

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