Geometric lines, plastic materials, metal details: many new design proposals evoke the atmosphere of 60s and 70s sci-fi movies. Which, when viewed with discerning eyes, turn out to be full of furnishings that defined the era. The television series Space: 1999 is a condensation of iconic pieces: among many others, Sorella lamp by Harvey Guzzini (now iGuzzini, which has brought it back into production), Gae Aulenti’s Pileo floor lamp for Artemide, and Joe Colombo‘s Elda armchair for Longhi. In 2001: A Space Odyssey, Olivier Mourgue‘s Djinn chairs (then produced by the French company Airborne) define the futuristic environment of the orbital station. In A Clockwork Orange, we see Eero Saarinen‘s Tulip chairs for Knoll. Just to name a few.
It is fascinating to see how so many insights of filmmakers and set designers have influenced the evolution of taste. Today, we talk every day about new technologies and artificial intelligence (even as a possible threat – like HAL 9000, the ‘evil’ computer in 2001), we live in an age of great progress, and at the same time we have a passion for vintage. That’s why we like retro-future so much. Here are six contemporary pieces that evoke the atmosphere of a space base, with fluid, multifunctional spaces.
Superbold by Panzeri, design Favaretto&Partners
Optical effect for Superbold, a minimal but striking ceiling light designed by Favaretto&Partners for Panzeri.
Carola by Dooor – Photo © Isabella Magnani
Villhelm by Blå Station, design Borselius & Bernstrand
Carola is a textile micro-architecture by Dooor. A circular self-supporting module that can be used as a dressing room, telephone booth or private area for collective spaces.
The Villhelm armchair, designed by Borselius & Bernstrand for Blå Station, has a wooden shell and can be upholstered.
Cupid by Nemo Lighting, design Alon Rotman
Cupid, a table lamp designed by Alon Rotman for Nemo Lighting,is an abstract composition that plays on the balance between line and color.
Reform by Technogym
Intuitive and versatile, Technogym‘s Reform redefines the Pilates experience by making it accessible to users of all levels. It is made of wood, aluminum and vegan leather.
Coupelle by Driade, design Marie Cornil & Alexandre Willaume
Marie Cornil and Alexandre Willaume explore new expressive possibilities in industrial glass with the Coupelle coffee table for Driade.
Artwork Maripina Cappelletti; Ha collaborato Sabrina Sciama.
