Tobia Scarpa’s Soriana: A Design Masterpiece from 1969
Tobia Scarpa’s Soriana sofa is one of his most iconic designs, created for Cassina in 1969. The Soriana collection, which also includes chairs and loveseats, became a symbol of luxury and comfort in Italian modernist design. What set the Soriana apart was its distinctive form—plush, oversized cushions wrapped in a sleek metal frame. Scarpa’s design cleverly embraced the aesthetic of informal, soft seating, a departure from the rigid forms that dominated earlier modernist furniture.
The Soriana sofa stands out due to its innovative construction. Instead of using an internal frame to define the structure, Scarpa allowed the voluminous cushions to shape the form, with a chrome-plated steel clamp holding everything together. This gave the piece a relaxed, inviting appearance while ensuring structural integrity. Its upholstery, typically leather or fabric, is deeply padded, making it both stylish and incredibly comfortable. The sofa’s design won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, further cementing Scarpa’s reputation for blending form, function, and elegance.
Scarpa’s work with Cassina was part of a larger collaboration that helped define the brand's reputation as a leader in contemporary Italian furniture design. Cassina, founded in 1927 by brothers Cesare and Umberto Cassina, is renowned for its innovative approach to modern furniture production. The company has a history of collaborating with visionary designers like Scarpa, Gio Ponti, and Le Corbusier, blending craftsmanship with industrial techniques to produce high-quality, groundbreaking pieces. Scarpa’s designs, including the Soriana, exemplified Cassina’s commitment to merging comfort, style, and cutting-edge design. This partnership contributed significantly to the brand's prestige, making Cassina a key player in shaping the landscape of modernist furniture.