Accustomed to synthesizing ideas and concepts, Paola Noguera is part of the history of simplicity behind Francesc Rifé’s designs. Together they now present Pummba, a sofa whose logic and possibilities mark a fun new way of understanding rest. This original modular system imagined by Toni Estellé’s new start-up, aims to eliminate the excesses of the last decade and create furniture that can make life easier. From October to December you can visit the Pummba installation at RI HOUSE.
PUMMBA COMES WITH THE ELEMENT OF FUN, WHAT WAS THE DESIGN PROCESS LIKE TO ACHIEVE THIS?
The briefing requirements already made the brand’s intentions clear: to create a sofa that ships in a 90 x 90 cm box and is easily assembled by the user himself without the need for any tools. These requirements made the project very attractive so we took on the challenge and understood fun as achieving that: from a single and simple piece, you could create an infinite installation of sofas for different contexts and spaces.
Connecting with a lifestyle linked to change and adaptation to new contexts was key in the development of the design. As your life evolves, Pummba can also grow with you.
HOW DO YOU CONNECT THIS IDEA WITH THE STUDIO’S PHILOSOPHY?
In this case, our philosophy of order and simplicity has been taken to the limit. Reducing the number of elements that make up a sofa to the maximum while achieving maximum versatility has been an exercise in synthesis both on a formal and functional level. All this, without forgetting our commitment to elegance driven results, comfort and easy use.
DOES THE SINGULARITY HAVE A ROOM IN THIS TYPE OF PRODUCT?
The most complicated part of the design process is precisely finding this element that while respecting the concise character of our furniture, also endows it with sensitivity and expression, and in addition is attractive to users. That is the intention behind all of our work.
SPECIFICALLY, WHAT WOULD IT BE IN PUMMBA? WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SOFAS?
The rounded volumes, which despite having simple shapes, hold interesting proportions between them. Giving the sofa an appearance and charisma that make it a desirable object and inviting you to try out while enjoying it.
ARE THERE ANY GENERAL RULES THAT MAY BE USEFUL TO PLAN THE SETUP?
It all starts from a square module. From there you can make it grow as much as you want, adding other seat modules, backrests and armrests. All the pieces fit together, so depending on the user’s comfort preferences or space requirements, you can create more conventional proposals or generate unexpected corners and expand the composition in any direction.
WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR SPACE IS LIKE, THE SPACE YOU LOVE.
The space I love is a place of inspiration and rest. A neutral wrap of high ceilings and natural light that gives me tranquility and in which there are orderly placed special objects that are so dear to me. I love objects and I feel the need to surround myself with them. Its shapes and colours captivate me and I really enjoy remembering the stories behind each of them.
HOW DOES THIS SPACE SOUND LIKE?
I live in a very quiet neighborhood and I like to have the windows wide open. So my space sounds like street life, mixed with music and every now and then a meal with friends.
If you are interested in this product, you can buy at pummba.com
