Description
Elements in flame-retardant polyurethane foam in varied densities and polyester fiberfill on wood frame. Feet in black polypropylene screwed to the frame.
Product Dimension
Width: 344cm
Depth: 170cm
Height: 69cm
Seat Height: 39cm
Inspiration
Rift, to borrow the geological term for crack or fissure, is a seating system which cuts across the contemporary domestic living space. Unlike modular systems which are based on the rational use of geometry, Rift is built around an unexpected and asymmetric positioning of different volumes, an intentional randomness inspired by the unpredictability of nature. Multiple layers form relaxed seating, designed for the individual yet perfect for the public places: like tectonic plates, the different layers tend to collide and overlap giving a highly original impression of movement, transforming even the most formal space into something fluid yet without ever altering its character.
Designer
Design by Patricia Urquiola, 2009
Patricia Urquiola was born in Oviedo (Spain), and she lives and works in Milan. She studied Architecture at the Technical University of Madrid and at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where she graduated in 1989 under Achille Castiglioni. She was assistant lecturer for Achille Castiglioni; she worked with Vico Magistretti; and she was also Head of Design for Lissoni Associati. In 2001 she opened her own studio, working in the fields of product design, interiors and architecture. Her most recent designs include: The “Museo del Gioiello” jewellery museum in Vicenza, the Hotel Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, the Hotel Das Stue in Berlin, the Spa of the Hotel Four Seasons in Milan; retail and display designs for Gianvito Rossi, BMW, Cassina, Ferragamo, Flos, Missoni, Molteni, Officine Panerai, H&M, Santoni and Pitti Uomo Firenze. She has created products for numerous major companies in Italy and abroad, including: Agape, Alessi, Axor-Hansgrohe, Baccarat, Boffi, Budri, De Padova, Driade, Flos, Gan, Georg Jensen, Glas Italia, Haworth, Kartell, Kvadrat, Listone Giordano, Louis Vuitton, Moroso, Mutina, Rosenthal and Verywood. Some of her products are exhibited in the great museums of art and design, including the MoMa in New York, the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, the Museum of Design in Zurich, the Vitra Design Museum in Basel, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Stedelijk in Amsterdam, and the Triennale in Milan. She has won numerous international accolades, including: The Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes from the Spanish government; the order of Isabella the Catholic, presented to her by His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain; “Designer of the decade” for the magazines Home and Häuser; “Designer of the Year” for the magazines Wallpaper, AD Spain, Elle Decor International and Architektur und Wohnen.