Maralunga Sofa

Cassina Maralunga Sofa By Vico Magistretti

Maralunga is an emblematic sofa of the iContemporanei collection by Cassina, the work of architect and industrial designer Vico Magistretti. Winner of the Compasso d’Oro in 1979.

The Maralunga sofa takes the stage once more, its proportions updated, and its look restyled, becoming even more elegant and comfortable than before. Maralunga 40 Maxi is a contemporary take on this legendary best-seller by Cassina, which holds the technological patent for the device – a bicycle chain – that adjusts the angle of the back-rest.

CONSTRUCTION

Tubular steel frame, polyurethane foam inserts, Solid American walnut wood or lacquered base. Upholstered in fabric or leather.

Description

Like many of the best Italian design stories, the fate of the Maralunga was decided with overly expressive hand-gesture. The year was 1973. And Cesare Cassina was in heated conversation with Vico Magistretti about the shape and feel of what would go on to become the Maralunga sofa. Frustrated with the imperfect prototype in front of him, Cesare Cassina struck out at the sofa and the backrest drooped.

It was then that Magistretti had his Eureka moment. Approaching (somewhat gingerly given the look on Cassina’s face) he handled the sofa and murmured “Yes. It is better like this”. The idea of an adjustable headrest was born. Months of experimentation followed until the pair struck gold by embedding a bicycle chain deep within the generous foam cushions. Overnight, the sofa, a once static, tired object, was imbued with movement and life. It’s remained a classic of Italian design ever since.

Dimensions

W 166 x D 95 x H 72 - 100 cm

W 190 x D 95 x H 72 - 100 cm

Small Three Seater: W 238 x D 95 x H 72 - 100 cm.

Large Three Seater: W 274 x D 95 x H 72 - 100 cm.

Material & Finishes

Steel frame. Base available in light grey, beige comfort, black or American walnut. CFC free polyurethane foam and polyester padding. Seat cushions in polyurethane foam and polyester padding. Back with a movable headrest which is instantaneously convertible from the low to the high position. Available online in Cassina's luxurious Perbacco fabric (6% cotton, 59% linen, 25% acrylic, 4% polyester, 6% nylon), Ortigia Velvet (100% cotton) or Pelle Scozia Leather.

Authenticity

All the models in the Cassina collection, by merit of their artistic content and particular creative character, are protected by copyright, a legal institution that is universally recognised and safeguarded; legal protection is assured for the whole life-span of the author and for 70 years after his/her death (or the death of the last surviving co-author).

Year of Design:1973

Designer Profile

Vico Magistretti

Of all the great Italian masters, Vico Magistretti is perhaps the most difficult to define. A somewhat reclusive figure, he thrived on simplicity and elegance, designing everything from experimental cities to elegant mid-century lighting. While flexible in his output, he remained uncompromising in his belief that design should aspire to endurance rather than extravagance, a philosophy that would go on to shape the careers of contemporary figures such as Jasper Morrison and Konstantin Gricic.