Picasso Armchair: Unfolding Reality with Style

A Unique Blend of Art Nouveau and Ergonomics

The Picasso Armchair, designed by Gerardo Rios Altamirano, is a true masterpiece that combines art, comfort, and style. Inspired by the great artist Pablo Picasso, this armchair unfolds reality in the most surprising and unexpected ways, creating a piece with a lot of personality and character.

With a slight reminiscence of the art nouveau style, the Picasso Armchair exudes timelessness and elegance. Its ergonomic design ensures maximum comfort, making it perfect for relaxing, reading, or engaging in long conversations. The foaming of the chair is unique, resulting in an extremely comfortable lounge chair that invites you to unwind and enjoy moments of tranquility.

What sets the Picasso Armchair apart is its completely curved structure, crafted from solid wood of three different species: ash, tzalam, and sapelli. The hand-molded foam rubber is upholstered in natural leather, with contrasting colors at the seams, adding a touch of sophistication to the design. The structure is meticulously assembled using a system of mortise and tenon, creating a durable and long-lasting piece of furniture.

Creating the Picasso Armchair is a complex process that requires expert craftsmanship. The structure, with its intricate curves and absence of straight-cut pieces, is a testament to the designer's skill and attention to detail. While the manual work gives each piece a unique flavor and personality, the use of 5-axis CNC technology ensures precise and robust assemblies, guaranteeing the chair's durability for a lifetime.

Measuring 685.8mm in width, 660.4mm in depth, and 876.3mm in height, the Picasso Armchair is the perfect addition to any luxurious room, study, or office. Its ergonomic design allows for hours of comfortable seating, making it ideal for reading, conversing, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of fine cognac.

The development of the Picasso Armchair began in November 2015, with numerous versions and prototypes created to achieve the perfect balance of form and function. The design laboratory of Gerardo Rios in Merida, Yucatan, served as the birthplace of this exceptional piece of furniture.

Combining the works of Picasso with the art nouveau style, the Picasso Armchair is a testament to the designer's deep conceptual research. The asymmetry and capricious shapes evoke the unfolding forms of Picasso, while the art nouveau influences add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Overcoming the challenges of bringing the design to life was no easy feat. Without any reference plane to start from, the curved shapes and robust connections required meticulous planning and craftsmanship. The use of natural leather to upholster the capricious forms was a work of art in itself, requiring skilled hands and attention to detail.

The Picasso Armchair is not just a piece of furniture; it is a journey into astonishment and creativity. Its asymmetry, curved shapes, and ergonomic design make a bold design statement, capturing the attention of anyone who enters the room. This exceptional piece has been recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, winning the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019.

Experience the artistry and comfort of the Picasso Armchair, a true masterpiece that combines form, function, and style.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Gerardo Ríos Altamirano
Image Credits: All photos: Ricardo Lopez.
Project Team Members: Gerardo Rios
Project Name: Picasso
Project Client: Gerardo Ríos Altamirano


Picasso IMG #2
Picasso IMG #3
Picasso IMG #4
Picasso IMG #5
Picasso IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant