The city of Bergamo celebrates a new chapter of innovation and design with the opening of the Italian campus of the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID) in Astino. This new site represents a significant milestone for both the city and the Lombardy Region, establishing Bergamo as an international hub for excellence in interactive design, sustainability and regeneration. At the heart of all CIID's activities is Interaction Design, a practice that combines traditional design disciplines with socio-technological trends, leading to intuitive solutions for products, software and services.
Simona Maschi, co-founder and director of the CIID, chose the historic Astino Abbey for the Italian venue, a place rich in history. Its restoration, supported by Fondazione Mia and the town council of Bergamo, has restored an important architectural heritage to the city. Located in a valley known for its exceptional biodiversity, the monastery's surroundings received the prestigious "Landscape Award of the Council of Europe" in 2021. Here, Pedrali furnishings provide a functional, welcoming environment suitable for various uses, enhancing creativity and the well-being of those studying and working in the space.
In the central courtyard, dedicated to meetings and talks with international guests, stands Buddy Oasi. Designed by Busetti Garuti Redaelli, Buddy Oasi is a furnishing solution that further expands the Buddy collection. A system of generously sized ottomans and sofas that maintain the contrast between the bold volumes of the seat and the lightness of the legs typical of the Buddy collection. The distinguishing feature of Buddy Oasi is its movable backrest, featuring a soft, organic shape. Made of injected polyurethane foam, it can be easily and freely positioned on the seat to create multiple configurations. A ballast and non-slip fabric base provide stability to the backrest. The same area also features the Elliot poseur tables, designed by Patrick Jouin, featuring an elegant silhouette and a minimal design. Elliot tables combine soft lines with sinuous, natural forms and are paired with Nolita barstools, by CMP Design, which recall the origins of a historic course, started by Mario Pedrali in 1963 with his first metal garden chairs.
In the break room, Dome barstools surround the counter, providing a convivial and functional area. Designed by Odo Fioravanti and made entirely from polypropylene, Dome barstool represents the evolution of a collection, that alternates a linear and rational structure with soft, curved elements. The space is completed by Gossip armchairs by Claudio Dondoli and Marco Pocci, in the Recycled Grey version, adding a touch of comfort and making the space ideal for a lunch break, a moment of relaxation or conversation. Gossip is a polypropylene armchair with sinuous and round shapes, light weight and stackable. The Recycled Grey version is made from recycled polypropylene: 50% from plastic material post-consumer waste and 50% from plastic material industrial waste.
On the outdoor terrace, Pedrali furniture invites visitors to study or relax in the open air, with a splendid view of the Astino Valley. Elliot tables by Patrick Jouin, paired with Babila Twist armchairs by Odo Fioravanti, create the ideal setting for coworking or outdoor lunch breaks. A steel armchair characterised by a large and welcoming shell woven with a flat rope in weather-resistant polypropylene, whose distinguishing feature is the combination of a woven body and a tubular steel frame with slats for the seat. These are screwed, making them easy to disassemble and recycle.
Nolita sofas and tables create cosy lounge corners where students and professionals can meet to discuss projects or simply enjoy a break in a relaxed, informal setting. Designed by CMP Design, the collection is conceived for outdoor convivial and relaxing moments, featuring simple and iconic shapes. Nolita Sofa is an outdoor sofa characterised by a steel tube structure that provides visual rhythm and gentle proportions and ensures the greatest strength and durability. The Nolita Sofa keeps the collection's distinctive features of transparency and lightness. The comfort is enhanced by soft cushions in waterproof fabric and polyurethane foam inside.
More information:
Pedrali
www.pedrali.it