Better together: Poltrona Frau's human-centred new seating collections

Togetherness is in fashion. It is impacting the way we shop, eat, rest, travel and furnish our spaces. The enforced grounding of the pandemic years undoubtedly played its part in invigorating our sense of community and social cohesion, and while some of that connection may unravel, there is nevertheless a lingering sense that we must nurture togetherness. The persistence of remote working has put IRL meet-ups under pressure to wrap a warm and welcoming embrace around participants, so that team spirit is physically manifested. Retail now comes with the experience of a workshop or shared refreshment. Homes are not closed family nests anymore but open social spaces.  

When it comes to designing for these post-pandemic times, it should be little surprise that human connection is front and centre. It is certainly a factor in two significant projects from Poltrona Frau this year – one a collection of seating for public spaces, the BAY System, and the other, DUO, a collection of furniture for more intimate spaces with hosting firmly on the agenda. Together they form part of a series called ‘The Pleasures Collection’, built to beckon us in.

‘All the elements of the DUO collection have been designed with the aim of offering a pleasant hospitality experience in the living area,’ says Roberto Lazzeroni, the collection’s designer. ‘The curved shapes, multifunctional storage units, and comfortable armchairs all contribute to creating a space that invites socialising and the enjoyment of companionship.’ 

The first-time collaboration between the Italian masters of upholstered seating, Poltrona Frau, and makers of finely crafted cabinetry, Ceccotti Collezioni, the DUO collection looks to the lines and ethos of La Dolce Vita, a carefree period in Italian history which spanned the 1950s and 1960s. The economy boomed, and architecture and design reflected the optimism of the times with light and transparency. Its spirit has been captured and evolved in the convivial collection, using new materials and new proportions. The inviting curved sofa and cosy armchairs draw you in and facilitate conversation, while Ceccotti Collezioni’s cabinetry expertly holds all you might need for a great night in with friends. The storage units in the collection are designed as bar furniture, with space to store glasses, bottles, openers and shakers.

The BAY System, meanwhile, is a comprehensive and endlessly flexible seating system designed by Foster + Partners with airports in mind, but that will happily furnish other areas where the public linger – think campuses and clinics, malls and museums. It takes the form of a modular kit, with curves and straight lines, armrests, screens and incorporated tables, that can swoop around or diverge in different directions to fit any kind of layout.

The idea is that they can be configured for conversation and with the change of a curve, the closeness of the interaction is controlled. It offers choice. ‘We spent time analysing how people occupy waiting spaces – from large groups to solo individuals,’ says Mike Holland, Senior Partner and Head of Industrial Design at Foster + Partners. ‘This process informed the design of the new system, which is all about choice, comfort and craft.’

BAY Gate is a subdivision which suits high numbers waiting for short periods of time. Made from recyclable materials, this part of the line incorporates the space and cabling required for current and future technologies, including plug sockets and induction charging. Less business-like and more convivial is the curvilinear BAY Lounge, which adapts to the needs of those waiting over longer periods of time. ‘We are proud to present this collaboration between Poltrona Frau and Fosters + Partners, with whom we have been jointly pursuing the development of new design and creative landscapes for public spaces,’ says Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau. ‘This represents an important area of interest for the brand, which has already completed more than 5,000 public spaces projects with its Custom Interiors business unit and is constantly committed to researching innovative design solutions.’ While the pandemic slowed down progress in this particular area, Coropulis is adamant that they are back on track with fresh solutions to meet the needs of public spaces, globally. ‘The BAY System project surely represents an important milestone in meeting such needs,’ he says.

The BAY System is certainly a bold move away from the traditional sit-at-your-peril, don’t-even-think-about-getting-comfortable approach to waiting areas that we are used to. It brings the notion of welcome to the public realm, and while it may not have a cabinet with the wherewithal to make a negroni as part of the kit, just like DUO, it is made with human comfort and connection in mind.  

 © Architonic

Head to the Architonic Magazine for more insights on the latest products, trends and practices in architecture and design.