B&B Italia

METROPOLITAN ’14 armchair

What happens when a successful product decides to reveal a new trait? Twelve years ago the armchair METROPOLITAN was presented and adopted not only by the domestic market but also by the Contract sector. Since “design, like cinema, art and architecture, is a series of mirrors and lenses that records the changes in progress,” to quote Jeffrey Bernett, it is natural to re-interpret the evolution of an object over a longer period of time. “It is an interesting challenge that allows exploring the changes, what we have learnt in the process and what new issues can be solved.”
Hence, in both versions of 2014, either with a low back or a high back acting as headrest, the volumes have become thinner, the surfaces have enhanced their flowing design, tailored seams highlight certain crucial areas and the seat cushion, which is not detached anymore, is fully integrated. The seat’s profile seems to draw a “smile” in contemporary jargon, an invitation to sit down and enjoy a moment’s rest. Hence, the high version offers a haven both for those who want to sever contacts with the world for a moment and for those who wish to interact from a comfortable position. Both are swivel armchairs completed with a footstool.

The seat that flows uninterruptedly into the armrests is the hallmark of this small armchair and relaxation chair. The former combines elegance and comfort; the latter, which has a matching ottoman, is larger with a headrest. Both have rotating bases, now enhanced with a new four spokes base in light oak, grey, black and smoked.