On The Rocks, freedom according to Edra and Francesco Binfaré

Careful observation is a valuable form of inspiration. It is a vital part of every creative process and is a fundamental generator of ideas. “Most of all, I observe people. Sofas are like a mould of the movements that people make when seated,” says the artist, designer and creative director Francesco Binfaré in an interview with Silvana Annicchiarico in an interesting film by Giovanni Gastel. “No matter how you sit, it’s the space that makes the difference.”  

Observation was exactly what informed the shape of the On The Rocks sofa designed by Binfaré for Edra in 2004, a project that was seven years in the making. On his various trips to Puglia, the designer would observe bathers on the beach and be amazed by their ability to relax, the pleasure they got from the beauty of the sun and the sea. Their bodies were able to adapt to the hard surface of the rock,  adopting a number of comfortable positions. With what might have seemed like an illogical leap of fancy, the designer began to think about a material that would capable of absorbing the body in no matter what position. Given his connection with Edra, a special foam, developed and patented by the Tuscan firm, which blends softness and support, and fosters wellbeing and relaxation for the body, the idea of developing Gellyfoam® took shape.