Bend-Sofa

Overview

Dated 2010, Bend-Sofa is a modular sofa drawn by Patricia Urquiola. It seems to have been moulded by an artist's hand, but actually originates from the study of 3D models and digital research, and its irregular shape enhances comfort. The corrugated modules, assembled starting from seat, ottoman and corner elements, develop a large number of configurations, from compact linear versions to large compositions. Contrasting stitching draws a further design on the sinuous surface.

Construction

• Frame: steel tube plus steel profiles, padded with cold-shaped flexible polyurethane foam and a polyester fibre covering layer
• Back cushion (B40C, B55C): down feather and polyurethane insert, box style typology, zig zag stitching
• Support (BS, BSB): visco-elastic polyurethane, polyester and cotton fibre cover
• Feet: thermoplastic
• Outer cover: fabric or leather, zig zag stitched

Specifications

• B214C seat element (reference): W 214 × D 124 × H 70 cm, seat height 38 cm (plan depth 111 / 116 cm at the two ends)
• B164C seat element: W 164 × D 124 × H 70 cm
• B214CS / B214CD / B214TS / B214TD seat elements: W 214 × D 124 × H 70 cm (TS/TD: 65 cm at the end)
• B111A / B116A corner elements and B177LS element: H 65 cm, seat 38 cm (the B111A drawing prints 111, 116 and 177.5 cm)
• Further codes in the drawings: B177LD, B111P, B116P and ottomans B1P–B4P

A sculptor's gesture, made industrially

Patricia Urquiola imagined Bend-Sofa as "a seat with a primary, monolithic and almost manually moulded shape, as though it had been created from a ductile material with gestures not unlike those of a sculptor." Yet the form was developed through 3D models and digital research, and B&B Italia notes that the quality of its movement can be guaranteed only by an industrial process.

Why "Bend"

Urquiola chose the name Bend, the English word for curve, to underscore the movement of the piece: an alternation of full and empty volumes, underlined by contrasting stitching that traces a second pattern over the irregular, curved surface. Seat, corner and ottoman modules combine freely, so the sofa can form compact lines or large, unconventional landscapes.