Alessandro Ciffo's Iperbolica: Redefining Armchair Design

Discover the Innovative Silicone Armchair that Pushes Boundaries

Italian designer Alessandro Ciffo's Iperbolica armchairs are a testament to the power of experimentation. Born from a desire to push boundaries, these armchairs are a fusion of form, function, and material innovation. Ciffo's design process is a delicate balance between invention and science, resulting in a product that is more than just a tangible object, but a reflection of intentional design.

What sets the Iperbolica armchairs apart is their unique construction. Entirely made of silicone, these armchairs abandon traditional support and inner structure, instead using air and elastic polyurethane foam as structural elements. The result is a solid yet invitingly soft armchair that is as comfortable as it is visually striking.

The Iperbolica armchairs are self-produced, showcasing Ciffo's mastery of silicone. The construction process begins with the decoration, followed by the support, and finally the shape. The armchairs are made from acetic thixotropic silicone, colored pigment powders, elastic polyurethane foam, and reinforced with cotton textile. The dimensions of the armchairs vary, with widths ranging from 1021-1216mm, depths from 800-1044mm, and a consistent height of 800mm.

Interacting with an Iperbolica armchair is a sensory experience. The armchairs offer a discovery of textures, ductility, and color mixtures in incandescent polychromes and combinations. Each armchair is unique, not only in decoration but also in ergonomic solutions, thanks to gradually altered moulds. This design journey began in 2008 and has evolved over the years, with the latest addition being the Mondrian armchair, exhibited at Superstudio during the Milan Design Week 2017.

Ciffo's design process involved overcoming several challenges, including calculating the thickness of individual modules, developing welding techniques for continuity of decoration, and constructing a mould for injected elastic foaming. The result is a collection of armchairs that are not just functional objects, but aesthetic figures that go beyond ordinary perceptions and current opinions of form.

The Iperbolica collection is a testament to Ciffo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. It's no surprise that this innovative design was awarded Silver in A' Furniture Design Award in 2019, a prestigious accolade that recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs. As Ciffo continues to experiment and innovate, the world eagerly awaits his next creation.