“Not just objects, but also enjoyable moments.” The whole concept of the Reva collection can be summed up in this statement of intent by its designer, Patrick Jouin. Not just furniture, but part and parcel of experiences of joy, relaxation and carefree living. After all, isn’t that the highest aspiration of design? Indispensable functional and material quality, of course, but also appealing forms: today design has to bring added value that is more abstract but still fundamental, conveying sensations that remain in memory. Reva by Pedrali is all this and more.
Aquarela Tower, Quito, Ecuador – Photo © Jag Studio
Developed as a family of outdoor seating, Reva stands out for soft lines and ample sizing, in the three-seat sofa, the armchair and the cot.
“The basic idea of the collection is that of comfort on vacation, when you can take a siesta or enjoy an aperitif in the open air – says the designer Patrick Jouin. – The furnishings are simple in their conception, making them objects that can be placed anywhere.”
Simplicity is the aesthetic device, while careful detailing makes an almost crafted product: the slim perimeter frame in extruded aluminium stands out (supported at the ends by four tapered die-cast aluminium legs) to underline the clean design; the slight bend of the armrests and back forms an enveloping embrace, softened by the ample cushions (covered in waterproof fabric).
Philiaz, Bolzano, Italy – Photo © Vito Corvasce
Voltaire Restaurant, Leersum,
Netherlands – Photo © Marius B
Patrick Jouin – Photo © Thomas Duval
Hotel Villa Fiorita, Taormina, Italy
Photo © Luca Di Bartolo
Private House, Milan, Italy – Photo © Ferdinando Gatta
The touch of craftsmanship reaches maximum levels in the evolution of the collection, represented by Reva Twist, with distinctive woven cord for the steel back and armrests: “With Reva Twist we wanted to create an object that would be simultaneously more sensual and more natural, bringing the object even closer to the atmosphere of summer leisure.”
The use of cord intentionally accentuates the “outdoor” character of the seating: “I am pleased that there is a difference between inside and outside – Jouin continues. – The characteristics we have taken from the indoor furnishings and transmitted to the outdoors are quality and refinement. But I believe that in outdoor contexts our sitting positions are more informal than they are inside the house; furthermore, the outdoor products are made to stand up to all weather conditions: therefore they have to be light, and made with extremely strong materials.”
Private House, Sarnico, Italy – Photo © Mattia Aquila
The Reva and Reva Twist project takes the collaboration between the designer and the company to a new level – that of open-air contexts. After the creation of icons like the Ila chair, the Social sofa and the Ester collection, Jouin experiments with new materials and new décor approaches, finding a full response in the know-how of Pedrali: “For me, it is very important that Pedrali is a manufacturer capable of covering all the various forms of workmanship, with metal, wood, upholstery or fabric. This company has extremely vast and precise technical expertise. For a designer, this help is essential in the vision of a project – Patrick Jouin concludes. – Making design means daring to propose your own ideas, which are the starting point of a dialogue. We have a close relationship with Giuseppe, Monica and the whole team, and this friendship makes our collaboration fertile and profound.”
