From a piece of seashell, which has been broken and smoothed by the waves, Patricia Urquiola has designed a collection of seats for both the home and public spaces.
As the name suggests, there is a strong Scandinavian influence with references to Arne Jacobsen and the inlets of northern coastlines represented in the long cut-away. Like a natural cycle where the shell is reborn through the effects of time and water, the chair becomes armchair and then stool. Its broken form and abstract concept together become an object of design: smooth lines that support and envelop are picked out in decorative stitching in harmony with the essence of the chair’s structure.
Shells in injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame covered in fabric or leather. Bearing structure is gunmetal painted steel. Feet are polished casted aluminum. Side table is matt white or matt black HPL.
Patricia Urquiola was born in Oviedo, Spain, and currently lives and works in Milan. She studied at the faculty of Architecture at the Madrid Politecnico and at Politecnico di Milano, where she graduated in 1989. From 1990 to 1996 she served as assistant professor to Achille Castiglioni and Eugenio Bettinelli at the Politecnico di Milano. During this time she has also led the product development department at DePadova, where she designed together with Vico Magistretti. In 2001 she opened her studio of product design, display, and architecture. She has worked with leading manufacturers.
Urquiola has received prizes including Designer of the Year, Elle Decor International Design Awards, Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, and the Design Prize Cologne.
Moroso has been working in close collaboration with some of the world’s most talented designers to produce luxury sofas and seating since 1952.