Stories Multifunctional furnishings for a hybrid home Text by Sara Deganello Add to bookmarks Marcell, Tonelli Design Tables that turn into desktops, partitions that transform rooms, desks and beds that appear from wall compartments - spaces are becoming fluid, accommodating the post-Covid habits that mean that our homes now have to cater to a new multiplicity of functions. Transformable, multifunctional furnishings, suitable for hybrid homes in which the space is both domestic and work-related – the pandemic has accelerated this trend, with demand possibly previously informed by lack of space, small and multitasking houses, now driven by smart working and our new post-Covid habits. Firms are adjusting, working on tabletop partitions and sound-absorbing pouffes, and collapsible coffee tables that can be hung on the wall. They’ve come up with stools with integrated tabletops, beds and desks that unfold from wall spaces, room dividers, and cabinets that look minimal but once open reveal a hidden world, with cubbyholes everywhere for storing the fluid universe we are currently navigating. Clei, Tonale 281 Power A dual-function transformable system incorporating a tilting sofa and cushioned movement, and vertical fold-away double bed with patented press-folded slatted base and automatic flattening. Tonale 281 + Wally Office, Clei Acerbis, Florian Originally designed by Vico Magistretti in 1989 and now remastered, this small multi-level table, built on a structure inspired by a broom handle, folds completely flat in order to be wall-hung. In ash with a brass mechanism. Florian, Vico Magistretti for Acerbis. Ph. credits Lorenzo Cappellini Baio Caimi Brevetti, Snowpouf Designed by Paola Navone, this comfortable seat is easy to carry around thanks to its simple loop handle. It is upholstered in Snowsound Fiber, a special, sound-absorbing fabric patented by Caimi, applied to a shell made of a wood-based material and soft polyester. Snowpouf, Caimi Brevetti Giorgetti, Houdini A cabinet designed by Roberto Lazzeroni: “The aim was to create a cabinet that would have a fluid place in the home. It is a piece that defies all classification. It’s not a sideboard, nor a container, nor a mobile bar: it’s all of these things put together.” Houdini, Giorgetti Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, NYNY This container unit signed by storagemilano is defined by the asymmetrical superposition of geometric volumes on a metal wall support – they enclose drawers and two spaces with doors, the lower one also doubles up as a desk.
Stories The holiday library. 5 important books to savor tranquilly From Robert Wilson’s chairs to fables about the Castiglioni brothers. From the Compasso d’Oro to Beatrice Leanza’s thoughts and a bookazine on luxury. Essential reading for all those with a passion for the topic. Patrizia Malfatti
Exhibitions The latest outdoor furnishing, championing sustainability, material and colour Comfortable and sustainable, outdoor furnishing lends itself to many different interpretations, channelling innovation and constantly evolving aesthetics Marilena Pitino
Stories The biology of light, according to Manuel Spitschan What does chronobiology have to do with design? Manuel Spitschan, professor at the Technische Universität München, explains why light is essential to our well-being. And why designers should know more about it to design better. Giulia Zappa
