CMP Design for Pedrali talks to designboom
A French director who has won awards for his work in the field of cinema brings tropical West African influences into the world. Pedrali CMP Design introduces its Guinea and Lamorisse Wood armchairs. During Salone del Mobile 2023Designboom interviewed the three Italian designers to learn more about their products. The timeless style of the furniture company is unaffected by the weather, whether it’s in the outdoors or indoors, or made from aluminum or wood.
(above) CMP Design’s Lamorisse Wood for Pedrali | art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti; styling Studio Salaris
(banner) CMP Design’s Guinea for Pedrali seen outdoors | art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti; styling Studio Salaris
All images courtesy Pedrali
Pedrali’s collaboration with CMP Design began in 2012. The visual connection between the past and popular culture as well as natural elements is a characteristic of Pedrali’s work. Michele Cazzaniga, Simone Mandelli, and Antonio Pagliarulo Continue to grow with us Italian furniture brand. The partnership is a journey of inspiration in both directions. From the wooden frames to the return of traditional steel-making methods, it reveals a dual-way inspiration. In 2023, Guinea and Lamorisse wood join Pedrali’s family as they bring with them sustainable, embracing comfort.
‘We feel like we grew a lot with Pedrali, and even more so with bringing back traditional metal-working techniques. Every year we challenge ourselves – sometimes it’s the company that challenges us, sometimes we find a new inspiration,’ Michele Cazzaniga co-founder and CMP Design member.
‘If you take a look into our story with Pedrali, you can immediately see that our work with materials continues to evolve. We change our curves and lines to adapt to the company’s technology, the space and the user,’ Antonio Pagliarulo, co-founder and member of the group, continues to be active.
‘We don’t believe the design process ends when the product is sold. The design process is ongoing from our perspective. We follow the project all over the world and see how it ages, how it behaves depending on each space and usage, and we continuously try to improve that,’ Simone Mandelli joins as a third member and co-founder.
The backrest of the Guinea chair in its textilene version with cushions. Photo by Andrea Garuti, art direction Studio FM. Styling Studio Salaris.| art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti; styling Studio Salaris
LIGHTS, CAMERA, action: Lamorisse WOOD
CMP Design’s passion for the movies and the arts comes through in each one of their products. Lamorisse Wood, named after the French film director who won an award for his work, takes center stage. The armchair, which was originally designed for outdoor use in aluminum 2022, has been elevated to a wooden version. This is to achieve the same level comfort inside and to create a complete set of seats that could be used on decks or living rooms.
art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti; styling Studio Salaris| art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti; styling Studio Salaris
This armchair stands out for its contrast between the simple shape of the structure and the large, enveloping cushions. The ash frame is seamless and follows the oval-shaped legs. Its rounded steam curved armrests are a perfect match. Near the joints, the frame increases in thickness for extra strength. The cushion conceals the metal frame which supports the seat. Elastic belts and polyurethane foam ensure a high degree of comfort. As flexibility is essential for timeless design the lining on the wrap-around rearrest can be removed and attached to the chair by zip, while a leather strap secures it to the frame.
‘By adapting the frame, we have two great products with great performances for different spaces. Wood adds the warm natural touch and the lightness, while aluminum resists the weather conditions,’ says Michele.
Close-up of Lamorisse wood
Lamorisse Wood is made using 100% certified FSC® C114358 wood and finished with water-based coatings composed mostly of plant-derived resins. The use of raw materials sourced from responsibly managed forests and of these organic coatings guarantee Pedrali’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The armchair’s different elements may easily be disassembled for recycling purposes or to replace its components.
‘We thought Lamorisse could be warmer, more adapted for the indoors, which meant developing it in wood. This idea came as soon as Pedrali optimized the aluminum version – it was a natural evolution,’ continues Michele. ‘The issue was more about sustainable design. We now use the same shape that we’re using for the aluminum outdoors version. It’s a process that we love to do: to use the same parts and tooling to develop the family of products sustainably,’ Adds Antonio.
