Following on the footsteps of the ARÆS dining table, the Atena Seat & Armchair by Alessandro Zambelli bring a refined accent to modern living spaces. All three pieces of furniture were designed for Italian company Adele-C, in a collaboration which illustrates why Italians still lead the way in the field of furniture design and manufacturing. Similarly to Zambelli’s other products, the chair and armchair feature a complex concept that goes beyond achieving a perfect balance between function and aesthetic. Aiming to express a sense of ‘altered reality’, the designer created seating that seemingly reverses the role of the supporting structure and seat/backrest. Unlike traditional chairs, Atena features a concealed frame which creates the illusion of a suspended cushion. Thus, the soft sections gain solidity and stability, while the legs become more graceful.
The fluid lines take inspiration from the golden ratio, giving the chair and armchair a classic vibe despite their modern design – another way the designer challenges the viewers’ expectations. A blend of traditional cabinet-making techniques and state-of-the-art technology, the Atena seating comes with expertly curved wood legs and armrests as well as with a laser-branded leather upholstery which boasts a shaded, 3D effect texture. As a final touch, the blue and red tones add vibrancy to the design, complementing the grain patterns of the solid wood. Images courtesy of Alessandro Zambelli.
