modular mosaics form natuzzi buddie sofa & ika system by mauro lipparini

natuzzi italia‘s the circle of harmony collection is a search for balance and perfection. it seeks to define an ecosystem of design that displays a homage to beauty, inclusiveness, and the comparison between different creative interpretations of the renowned made-in-puglia brand. as such, the theme welcomes eight designers including marcantonio, claudio bellini, nika zupanc, maurizio manzoni, BYBORRE, mauro lipparini, paola navone, and fabio novembre. the designs blend the character of their designer with ethics, aesthetics, style, function, colors and materials true to natuzzi italia. these range from sofas to modular seating systems and from beds to table, lamps, and even a specific upholstery textile.

as a long-time collaborator, mauro lipparini’s historic understanding of the brand, its core style and value leads to the contemporary with the natuzzi italia buddie sofa and ika system. designboom travelled to the brand’s home in puglia to find our more about the design, process, and its relationship in the circle of harmony.

the natuzzi italia buddie sofa and ika system by mauro lipparini

‘brought to the brand by pasquale junior, I find this new expression of natuzzi italia very interesting. the circle of harmony brings together different designers and their own personal interpretations of the brand, its core values and styles. each one looks to reinterpret its essence,’ explains mauro lipparini to designboom as he debuts the natuzzi italia buddie sofa and ika furniture system. in fact, his two new designs look to interpret the contemporary spirit of the collection.

‘the buddie sofa, in a way, recuperates the aesthetic core values of natuzzi italia,’ continues the designer. ‘it is welcoming in appearance with organically rounded forms and equally as soft padding.’

the sofa resembles the perfect harmony between natural inspiration and influences from the sculptural work of jean arp, henry moore and constantin brâncusi. bevelled geometric shapes sit upon invisible non-slip feet to deliver a relaxed appearance. its backrest, seats and backs – all padded with durable yet soft materials – morph together as if overlapping, sloping volumes. a series of irregular seams then underline its many forms.

these organic shapes transform into versatile, modular forms like movable three-dimensional mosaics. made of seven different modules, they can be combined to match the users’ needs to form linear or corner sofas, relaxation islands, or symmetrical or asymmetrical compositions. the result is invitingly casual, creating comfortable relaxation areas with a contemporary aesthetic.

‘the modern consumer needs modularity, products that are easy to manipulate, forms that are soft but not banal,’ confirms lipparini.

the sofa is available in both leather or fabric versions. it can also adorn the water textile collection designed by BYBORRE, which is a recycled fabric inspired by the movement of the mediterranean sea.

his second design for natuzzi italia’s circle of harmony is the versatile ika system, which comprises a series of coffee tables and a desk with a matching dresser. similar to the buddie sofa, the organically-formed coffee tables of many shapes and sizes can be combined together to create a layered surface of support. the tops are available in lacquered or natural finishes and rest upon a bronzed tubular structure with black ABS inserts.

one of the many differently sized coffee tables of the ika system

the same structure defines the desk that emphatically features a large natural oak top with lacquered inserts. the accompanying practical and functional dresser adorns a similar lacquered finish as the desk. discrete cushioning lines the drawers whilst swivel wheels enable it to be moved wherever the user wishes. the versatile, modular and movable designs help make your house a home.

the ika system desk appears with the same structure as the coffee tables

‘it is not about designing the most important product in your house; it is about creating the one that fits best. the new designs are friendly and highly personal. they can always be moved around, reconfigured to the way you want,’ concludes mauro lipparini.

organic, bevelled forms define the buddie sofa elements like this pouf, dressed in the BYBORRE-designed water textile