sebastian herkner's pedrali blume collection grows for salone del mobile 2021

from flower-shaped extruded legs to armrests

using precise engineering and fine italian craftsmanship, the blume collection by sebastian herkner for pedrali grows. first debuted in 2020, the distinctive flower-shaped extruded frames transform into even more elegant lounge and armchair versions. the german designer’s products exuberate sophistication merged with cutting-edge technology as the aluminum seamlessly curves around the seat and backrest. marked by clean lines, the refined chairs become ideal for relaxing living rooms as well as restaurant and lounge settings, allowing the user’s well-being to take center stage. along with the special edition of blume, pedrali opens a cabinet of curiosities to welcome visitors at salone del mobile 2021. the architectural timeline categorizes the history of the 100% made in italy brand as well as featuring timeless furniture pieces. this includes various collections like patrick jouin’s expansion of ila as well as works by eugeni quitllet and odo fioravanti.

ahead of the debut, designer sebastian herkner gives designboom exclusive insight into the blossoming on the blume collection.

blume collection by sebastian herkner featuring the tables and chairs

art direction studio FM, photo by andrea garuti, styling studio salaris

‘they are really into the idea of exploring and investing in new products, machines and new technologies, and it is with that mindset that I had the idea to do something different,’ says sebastian herkner as he describes his collaboration with monica and giuseppe pedrali. evident in blume, or flower in english, the furniture brand showcases once more a strong stance to experiment with the traditional and unconventional.

‘usually, designers take a metal tube of different diameters that they find in the warehouse and that’s it. what I wanted to do, though, was take an overlooked, normal element like the legs and turn them into a very aesthetically attractive part,’ continues the designer, explaining his inspiration behind the collection.

blume, or flower in english, is a result of cutting-edge 3D technology adjusted specifically for the chair’s extrusions

elegance in engineering precision

with the screws concealed from view, the slender aluminum profiles are a result of engineering precision and continuous efforts that become apparent in the 2021 armrest versions.

‘it took the engineers long hours and a lot of experiments to develop and mold the metal extrusion, as well as to perfect the bending technique with the CNC machine. adding the armrests was a challenge on its own to ensure that the flower profile stays intact when the mold is removed. this is on top of the difficult of attaching the extruded tubes to the frame, seat as well as the backrest,‘ explains sebastian.

resulting in an elegant engineering triumph, blume has also been made stackable, light and to be easily disassembled. with ecological considerations in mind, designer and brand take the responsibility to create a sustainable product.

‘materials are limited and, of course, we need to take into account the product’s life cycle, thus recycling. I think just the fact that pedrali produces everything in-house is amazing as then elements don’t need to be transported from one supplier to another, so the production footprint is also considered. this way of working is certainly very clever, sustainable and efficient,’ says sebastian.

‘in my opinion products should become companions for life,’ says sebastian herkner

art direction studio FM, photo by andrea garuti, styling studio salaris

regarding the emotional connection between objects and user, sebastian clarifies the importance in investing into a product as one invests on a car or apartment. he continues to explain that in times of uncertainty, particularly during COVID-19, people tend to look for and appreciate quality as well as ways in which a product can be upcycled, re-upholstered or even passed on to a friend or family member.

‘it’s really about cherishing the product and the way that we use it: it can be changed, sold online or given to a friend, or a family member in my opinion, products should become companions for life and for that reuse is crucial. that’s why I see buying furniture as an investment rather than just a one season consume, ’ continues sebastian as he explains how carefully designed products like blume can and should age with the user.

the 2021 armrest version becomes ideal for relaxing living rooms as well as restaurant and lounge settings

‘salone is and has been a very important event for my career, since 2009 when I began my design career. it’s the ideal place to meet other designers, companies as well as discuss and navigate through different projects. as the biggest furniture design fair, I think it is necessary to attend and support the whole system. saying this, I’m really looking forward to presenting what we created with pedrali,‘ concludes sebastian herkner to designboom ahead of the debut of the expanded blume collection for pedrali.

with ecological considerations in mind, the blume armchair is stackable, light and recyclable

pedrali’s 58 years in a timeline at salone del mobile, 2021

presented in five settings, pedrali’s timeless story unravels even further at salone del mobile, 2021. in a fluid, dynamic narrative, the 58-year story of the all-italian brand is revealed. visitors pass through its collections timeless images, objects and products as if retracing the history and the values of the brand. from office furniture to working from home, and from the hospitality sector to sustainability and the outdoors, the company’s high-end quality furniture fill the exhibition.

sebastian hernker’s blume collection on pedrali’s booth stand at salone del mobile, 2021

patrick jouin’s ila armchair becomes available in solid ash

in addition, patrick jouin’s refined armchair, ila, completes the setting. first debuted in 2020 in two versions, a steel tube frame and a central steel base, the armchair is reconfigured with a four-leg frame in solid ash as the elegant product expresses utmost comfort, personality and protection. on the exterior, the chair’s rigid polyurethane hugs the user in its large volume, while the inner side in flexible polyurethane foam embraces the body perfectly.

sebastian herkner's pedrali blume collection grows for salone del mobile 2021

patrick jouin’s ila armchair is refined in a four-leg frame in solid ash

care and meticulous attention to detail distinguish the ila armchair that has been designed, right from the onset, to be disassembled. as a result, each component can be disposed correctly at the end of the product’s life cycle, turning the product into an example of sustainable production. with the possibility to completely re-upholster in a variety of finishes, great versatility is also achieved. moreover, the modified accentuated headrest version pleasantly muffles external sounds, creating a cocoon-like, private niche for the sitter.