Cool since 1974: Cassina’s functional ’Maralunga’ sofa

Vico Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa is a masterwork of versatility. Its back rests famously fold out at varying heights to become headrests, affording maximum comfort to users of all sizes. Whether upholstered in fabric or leather, it is at once cosy, fun and refined. It also comes in a dizzying array of colours, recently including a glamorous silver which well deserved its Wallpaper* Design Award for Best Reissue this year. And it works as a centrepiece for every living room, as demonstrated in a new short film by manufacturer Cassina, first shown as a trailer to the documentary 'Le Corbusier 50' at this year's Salone del Mobile. Titled 'Cool since 1974', the film shows Maralunga in every decade since its inception- belonging to families of all configurations, and in rooms accessorised with record players, Polaroid cameras, and eventually iPads. technology has advanced, tastes have changed and people have grown. Maralunga, however, continues to comfort and captivate.