Patricia Urquiola’s Trampoline collection for Cassina is an island of comfort

Sometimes you don’t need to look beyond your backyard for design inspiration. Or so one imagines when they see Patricia Urquiola's Trampoline Collection for Cassina. In fact, it was a trip to Greenland that gave the Milan-based designer and Cassina Art Director her starting point. ‘I noted these little trampolines outside the locals' houses,’ she explains. Parents of small children may perceive them as a necessary evil adorning their outside space until the kids grow up, but in Greenland, Urquiola detected charm and beauty in the garden trampoline. ‘This playful object inspired me to design Trampoline, a friendly haven to enjoy the outdoors in great comfort.’

The circular love bed came first, all soft curves, taut 'springs' (handwoven polypropylene and nylon rope bound around the frame to create bounce) and a sea of cushions, offering ample space to lounge – en masse. An optional circular canopy which repeats the rope motif, brings shade to the picture.

Referring to the design as ‘an island’, Urquiola has now developed an archipelago. An armchair has been added alongside a two-seater sofa and three combinable modules. They share the rope detailing and distinctive cushions. ‘The out-of-scale weave that accompanies the backrest of the seat also references the tension cords of trampolines,’ says the designer.

Most recently, the Trampoline sunbed has joined the family – a simple lozenge-shaped relative without the cord detailing, but with all the curves and comfort and a choice of ivory or taupe powder coated frame to complete the collection.

Environmental impact is a primary consideration in Trampoline’s production. Research by Cassina LAB, the collaboration between the Cassina R&D Centre and Poli.design at the Milan Polytechnic, has introduced new Italian-made materials for the project, a recycled fibreglass, finished by hand, and used for the base of the sofa. Futura fabric, developed by Reviva for Cassina comes as an upholstery option. It is a fully recyclable polyester yarn made from recycled PET using an environmental, low impact technology. Playful it may be, but Trampoline is also a thoughtful design.

© Architonic