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

published 6 May 2015

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.

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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.