Softcage
A 2024 outdoor reinterpretation of Mario Bellini's 1975 rattan cage concept
2350 × 650 × 850 mm
Source: technical drawing image — SFT235 sofa — published as W 235 × D 85 × H 65 cm
2024
Description
Softcage outdoor sofa
B&B Italia introduced Softcage in 2024 as an outdoor reinterpretation of Mario Bellini's 1975 project. Rattan sections and rods form the visible load-bearing cage.

SFT235 dimensions
The larger sofa drawing labels 235 cm width, 85 cm depth and 65 cm height. A second vertical value is 40 cm.
Cage construction
The technical sheet specifies rattan for the frame, polyester upholstery, thick-leather interlacing and anodized aluminium for the feet and other metal fittings.
Story
A revisited 1975 idea
The manufacturer connects Softcage to Bellini's earlier exploration of rattan as a furniture material. The new collection retains hand-crafted rattan while changing the geometry for contemporary outdoor seating.
Suspended support
The base under the seat and the backrest are both inclined and suspended, giving the cage gentler lines than a simple vertical lattice. The current line retains this suspended cage principle across both sofa widths and the related armchair.
More by Mario Bellini

Camaleonda Modular Sofa
Mario Bellini's modular capitonné sofa, 2020 version, with a layered interior that comes apart

684 Armchair
Soft upholstered armchair by Mario Bellini, 1973, with optional casters; Cassina.

La Rotonda Table
Round table by Mario Bellini, 1976: three crossing solid wood legs, glass, wood or marble top.

La Basilica Table
Solid ash table by Mario Bellini, 1976, with pillar-like legs in 6- and 8-leg versions; Cassina.

