Unveiling the forward-thinking 'Alma' outdoor furniture line by Paola Lenti.
Introducing the Alma Outdoor Seating Series by Paola Lenti
The Italian design world is abuzz with the latest offering from Paola Lenti, a progressive brand known for its innovative textiles and outdoor furniture. In collaboration with Argentine designer Francisco Gomez Paz, the company has unveiled the Alma outdoor seating series, a collection that blends sophistication, modernity, and a touch of Italian flair.
The Alma series, presented as a modern and stylish design for outdoor use, includes an armchair (poltrona), two-seater, and three-seater sofas. The design is a study in subtraction, with a structure and elastic net providing support and seating comfort. The cushions and pads are filled with a biodegradable, recycled polyester fibre, a polyurethane-free alternative that delivers comfort without compromise.
The seating system uses generative algorithms and numerical control technology to shape stainless-steel frames and elastic mesh, a testament to Paola Lenti's dedication to craftsmanship combined with technological innovation. While the exact details of the use of generative algorithms and CNC in Alma are not documented explicitly, it aligns with Paola Lenti's reputation for innovative material processes and precision craftsmanship.
Francisco Gomez Paz's design work often incorporates digital design tools and parametric or generative design approaches, which allow for complex, optimized forms made feasible through computer-controlled manufacturing such as CNC machining. The CNC-formed frame for Alma is made of matt or gloss-varnished stainless steel, and can be used alone or layered with optional cushions for added softness.
The development process for Alma took over a year and involved open-minded, future-facing thinking. The collaboration between Paola Lenti and Gomez Paz was born eight years ago, when Gomez Paz wondered if algorithms could be used to create industrially produced, highly personalised furniture.
Paola Lenti's headquarters are located in Meda, a town 11 miles north of Milan. The company values constant exchange and mutual trust in its partnerships, working closely with tailors, upholsterers, weavers, architects, and engineers. The brand is defined by both creativity and clarity, preserving a human dimension in its industrial reality.
The seed of the Alma series was sown when Gomez Paz envisioned a micro-architecture that embodies the values of Paola Lenti's company. With its roots firmly planted in an Italian supply chain, Paola Lenti supports long-standing relationships and shared creative potential. The company's background couldn't be more different - one rooted in material experimentation and color, the other in structure, logic, and precision. Yet, together they have created a collection that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
The Alma outdoor seating series represents a new chapter in Paola Lenti's journey, a testament to their commitment to innovation, quality, and collaboration. As the company continues to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship, we can expect to see more exciting collaborations and groundbreaking designs in the future.
[1] Paola Lenti - Alma by Francisco Gomez Paz: https://www.paolasassetti.it/en/alma-by-francisco-gomez-paz [2] Paola Lenti - About Us: https://www.paolasassetti.it/en/about-us
The Alma outdoor seating series, a collaboration between Paola Lenti and Francisco Gomez Paz, showcases a fusion of fashion-and-beauty and technology, exemplifying the brand's commitment to innovative material processes and aesthetically pleasing designs. The collection's use of generative algorithms and numerical control technology in creating its Matt or gloss-varnished stainless-steel frames and elastic mesh highlights Paola Lenti's dedication to lifestyle advancements through technology.
