On The Rocks, freedom according to Edra and Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
The sofa from the Tuscan company that breaks all the traditional design rules. Forged by a unique story and a blend of observation, ingenuity, creativity and technology, it is celebrating its 20th anniversary
Careful observation is a valuable form of inspiration. It is a vital part of every creative process and is a fundamental generator of ideas. “Most of all, I observe people. Sofas are like a mould of the movements that people make when seated,” says the artist, designer and creative director Francesco Binfaré in an interview with Silvana Annicchiarico in an interesting film by Giovanni Gastel. “No matter how you sit, it’s the space that makes the difference.”
Observation was exactly what informed the shape of the On The Rocks sofa designed by Binfaré for Edra in 2004, a project that was seven years in the making. On his various trips to Puglia, the designer would observe bathers on the beach and be amazed by their ability to relax, the pleasure they got from the beauty of the sun and the sea. Their bodies were able to adapt to the hard surface of the rock, adopting a number of comfortable positions. With what might have seemed like an illogical leap of fancy, the designer began to think about a material that would capable of absorbing the body in no matter what position. Given his connection with Edra, a special foam, developed and patented by the Tuscan firm, which blends softness and support, and fosters wellbeing and relaxation for the body, the idea of developing Gellyfoam® took shape.
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
On The Rocks, Edra, design by Francesco Binfaré
Guided by the theme of freedom and liberation from constraints, Binfaré separated the backrests from the seats, creating two flexible backrests that would allow for multiple configurations and customisations. Modular, spacious, comfortable and with no rigid components, On The Rocks is distinguished by its hand-modelled silhouettes and boasts four stand-alone seats of different geometric shapes - three polygons and a quadrilateral - which can be put together as desired. The sizes and shapes of the geometric pieces allow for multiple compositions, and can be used simultaneously by several different people, even facing in different directions. The On The Rocks backrests are weighted down internally and contain a supporting brace to ensure stability. Finally, a number of discs in special thermoformed rubber, easily removed for washing, are inserted into the Lycra undercovering of the backrests, ensuring their grip to the bases, while the seats rest on moulded ABS and rubber feet. On The Rocks is synonymous with total freedom of expression and is an invitation to mix and match for new configurations, depending on the occasion.
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