smarin's livingstones pebble systems serve as both public seating and abstract installations

smarin explores vast scales and organic forms

Livingstones, the renowned pebble system from Smarin, celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. Their journey began in 2003 when the French studio developed cushions and seats with vast biophilic forms closely imitating the shape of pebbles. Over the years, Livingstones have evolved into a design phenomenon gracing public and private collections, as well as making appearances in museums and public spaces worldwide.

Handmade through a local production process, the cushions are covered with pure virgin wool felted jersey, free from any chemical dyes or finishes. Additionally, crafted from a single material unit, these artifacts are easily recyclable. By transcending conventions of public seating, Livingstones transform reception areas into concretely light installations, each weighing less than 30kg.

all images courtesy of Smarin

livingstones boast endless installation configurations

Despite being one of the most copied collections globally, Livingstones maintain their uniqueness due to Smarin’s distinct utilization of materials and craftsmanship. These iconic pieces strike a delicate balance, resisting imitation and embodying a reflection of a frugal and utopian vision of sustainable living. Designed to disrupt and re-enchant interiors and living conventions, the cushions play with scales and forms, their shapes and densities further allowing for limitless installation possibilities. Their scale and flexible configurations are the result of the French studio’s research into health, ergonomics, and informal postures, with a particular emphasis on the deconstruction of hierarchical spaces, emphasizing slowness and stillness and becoming landscapes, whether domestic or public.

‘Livingstones are now design icons, thanks to their unique form, their systemic approach, and their organic appearance. They have opened up a space within the Space, that of an ideal, permanent holiday, and continue to inspire us,’ notes lead designer Stéphanie Marin.

Livingstones celebrate their 20th anniversary this year

the cushions can transform reception areas into concretely light installations, each weighing less than 30kg

their scale and configurations are the result of the studio’s research into health, ergonomics, and informal postures

handmade through a local production process, the cushions are covered with pure virgin wool felted jersey

thier vast biophilic forms closely imitate the shape of pebbles

project info:

name: Livingstones

designer: Smarin

lead designer: Stéphanie Marin and her team

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom