2023, for Sawaya & Moroni, Italy, solid carved ash wood stained dark brown, upholstery, fabric, 360-degree rotating mechanism, height c. 80 cm, diameter c. 93 cm, height of seat c. 43 cm. (DRAX)

Artist’s proof of a limited edition, which is executed differently with regard to its material, colour and fabric.

The circular economy has come of age. No longer is it merely a statement of intent, a well- meant suggestion about how to tackle the near future: it is now an integral part of a new way of going about designing, regardless of the scale and of the type of product in question. This is the holistic message and agenda of «Tecla», the environmentally compatible dwelling unit made of clay sourced in situ that was designed and built in 2021 by Mario Cucinella using 3D Crane Wasp 3D printing technology. Fascinated by the architect Mario Cucinella’s experiment and determined to pursue a comparably sustainable objective, Sawaya & Moroni invited him to create an entirely sustainable and environmentally friendly furniture design.

The structure’s single unitary shell, reminiscent of an upturned architectural cupola, houses the upholstered part of the seat and backrest, to which two further cushions are added by way of ensuring a correct ergonomic support. The 3D printing technology already tested for the inhabitable space is now used on the scale of the furnishings for the version of «Tecla» made of urban waist’s recycled plastic, while the wooden model that is made by assembling elements of solid wood employs stained ash sourced from controlled plantations, whose processing and finishing stages are based on strict respect for the environment.

«Tecla» is an iconic chair that generates a skillfully calibrated synthesis of composition by combining the dimension of furnishing with the memory of a protective, enveloping element.