Joana Santos Barbosa's Niemeyer II: A Masterpiece in Furniture Design

Golden A' Design Award Winner Transforms Architectural Influence into a Luxurious Armchair

The Niemeyer II is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer, and its rounded forms are influenced by the House of Canoas designed in 1951. The design of the armchair mirrors the flowing forms of the house's modern flat roof, with the curve that frames a large granite boulder recreated by the location of the diagonal seams that flow around the arms and seat of the armchair. The result is an armchair that, when viewed from above, recreates the exact movement of the house's architecture.

What sets the Niemeyer II apart is its challenging design. It has a strong narrative behind its organic forms, and the creative process was a cohesive dialogue between the general rounded design and the focus on the correct location of the seams. The armchair is almost minimal in its inner hidden complexity, with the design and details creating a graceful symbiosis between form and function.

The Niemeyer II is fully handcrafted in the city of Porto, located in the North of Portugal, by local artisans. Traditional techniques are applied to create this contemporary design. The armchair is upholstered in InsidherLand Woollen fabric, with a base in oak finished in matt varnish. The dimensions of the armchair are Height 86cm, Width 94cm, and Depth 92cm, with a Seat Height of 44cm.

The armchair is not just a design statement, but also a comfortable seat. Upholstered in a special woven bouclé, the Niemeyer II receives people with a gentle embrace and feels like the most comfortable place in the room. It is also available with a swivel option.

The design process of the Niemeyer II was not without its challenges. A completely round armchair presents its own complexities, both in the wooden structure and in the exact collation of the seams. The construction process included several adjustments to reach the final design, which exudes total simplicity. The armchair is also available with a swivel option.

Joana Santos Barbosa's Niemeyer II armchair is a testament to the designer's creativity and skill. The armchair, with its architectural details and meticulous upholstery work, is minimal yet a statement piece. It is a luxurious armchair that catches the eye, and a best-seller among the designs created by Joana Santos Barbosa. The Niemeyer II was awarded Golden in A' Furniture Design Award in 2022, a testament to its outstanding design and trendsetting creation.