Flexform's Groundpiece Sofa Marks 25 Years as a Top Seller
Introduced in 2001, the Groundpiece sofa, crafted by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, has achieved best-seller status over the past 25 years. Although it was initially criticized for being 'too simple' and lacking a clear identity, its popularity surged. Drawing inspiration from the minimalist works of Donald Judd, the sofa features a low, deep seat adorned with ample cushions made from goose down or Dacron. Its natural fiber palette, including linen, cotton, and cashmere, encourages a laid-back seating experience. Flexform has engaged photographers such as Gabriele Basilico to offer new interpretations of the collection, enhancing its cultural significance. With its modular design and multifunctional aspects, it seamlessly integrates into diverse interiors while showcasing Flexform's hallmark elegance and clean lines.
Key facts
- The Groundpiece sofa was designed by Antonio Citterio for Flexform in 2001.
- Twenty-five years on, it remains one of Flexform's top sellers.
- Citterio initially thought the design was 'too simple, too direct, non-traditional' and had little chance of success.
- Donald Judd's minimalist sculptures, with their horizontal, blocky forms, served as a starting point for Citterio.
- The sofa has a low, deep sit and generous cushions available with premium goose down or Dacron fill.
- Its material palette includes natural fibres such as linen, cotton and cashmere.
- Photographers commissioned to reinterpret the collection include Gabriele Basilico, Gianni Berengo Gardin, Maria Vittoria Backhaus and Pierpaolo Ferrari.
- Gabriele Basilico shot the sofa against the backdrop of Gio Ponti's Pirelli Tower in a 2001 campaign.
- Metal shelving units upholstered or clad in cowhide act as arm and backrests, display space, and side tables.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Citterio
- Donald Judd
- Gabriele Basilico
- Gianni Berengo Gardin
- Maria Vittoria Backhaus
- Pierpaolo Ferrari
- Gio Ponti
- Mattia Balsamini
- Robert Rieger
Institutions
- Flexform
- Azure Magazine
Locations
- Italy