Memoria: A Dialogue Between Concrete and Design

Sergio Sesmero's Award-Winning Furniture Piece Redefines Sustainability and Functionality

Memoria is a chair that embodies a dialogue between revelation and concealment, inspired by the Hegelian dialectic applied in Magritte's work. This design is aesthetically based on a maximalist or brutalist trend, but with a formal essence of a minimalist concept. It is a furniture proposal that contains an intellectual and cultural narrative, aiming for the object to overcome its aesthetic and create a new one as a conclusion.

What sets Memoria apart is its groundbreaking approach to sustainability, functionality, and the creation of new sensorial experiences. The chair is made from concrete fabric, a material typically used in civil constructions due to its high durability, resistance, and sustainability. This unusual choice of material for furniture design is a response to the changes taking place in society and their effects on consumption patterns, particularly among younger consumers.

The manufacturing process of Memoria involves the use of a 3D printed PLA mold, which is totally recyclable and reusable. Concrete Canvas is applied to this mold and left to set for at least 24 hours. To further consolidate the structure, an epoxy resin is applied, which filters between the pores of the material and cement, increasing its solidity and durability to more than 50 years of life.

Memoria is not just a chair; it is an interactive piece that evokes mystery, questionability, and reflection. It plays with the senses, offering different interpretations, narratives, and stories depending on the user's circumstance and context. The chair responds to questions but generates new ones, creating a dialogue between opposites that are in a common point, expressing a simile of what happens nowadays and in today's society.

The design process of Memoria was not without its challenges. The creation of the concept and the selection of the most suitable material were particularly difficult. However, these challenges were overcome through a deep study of societal changes, trends in the furniture sector, and innovative design, quality production, and marketing strategies.

In recognition of its innovative design and contribution to sustainability, Memoria was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.