Aesthetic standards for design are highly visual, elements of light and color effecting our physiology, our mood, and even our neural plasticity over time. The Aedo collection by Debonademeo for Adrenalina is instead developed with another sense, touch, as the driving factor for form. This presents new possibilities within inclusive design, accommodating design features that have been developed specifically with and for visually impaired people. On display at Milan Design Week, Aedo speaks to this intriguing mindset: how do you design a sofa without seeing its shape and color? How do you highlight its fundamental characteristics such as comfort, softness, presence in space?
At Salone del Mobile, attendees were encouraged to wear blindfolds while experiencing the exhibit, as the furniture is meant to be perceived primarily by touch. Raised Braille inscriptions on the side speak to the project’s origins, communication methods largely subverting convention. A simple upholstered arm, an unobtrusive yet defined boundary, can be easily understood through a brush of the fingertips. This, along with the rounded and soft forms, allow for safer exploration of forms overall, promoting openness and freer movement. Yellow satin upholstery was chosen for its tactility and smoothness, creating satisfying folds where the upholstery meets a generous curve.
The Omero Museum, the first Italian tactile museum, added insight to the project by fielding the tactile feedback concerns, and offering advice on how to navigate the design of the exhibition. The Cavazza Institute was also consulted to provide unique feedback about the professional and social lives of the visually impaired. Furniture based on perception in space, rather than the visual characteristics it might happen to have, creates a new paradigm in design – one that helps us understand our world in a fuller and more empathetic way.
Luca de Bona and Dario De Meo founded Debonademeo on the principle of ‘hic et nunc,’ the here and now. They translate different cultural contexts from across history into creative strategies, infusing their signature innovative approach to their brand identity, art direction, and product design work. Working as creative directors for Adrenalina since 2022, the duo has taken on the helm of the Italian brand with grace, instilling an elegance to the work that is both appropriate and refreshing.
Eclectic form meets advanced materials technology in the Adrenalina portfolio, founded in 1999 and remaining faithful as ever to their original premise. Dedicated to providing a unique twist within upholstery, the sculptural qualities of the equally considered and comfortable lineup are all at once inspiring, thoughtful, and visually stunning. They continue this shared ethos through Aedo, adding more voices to the design conversation, creating for all, not just for some.
To learn more about the Aedo Seating collection from Debonademeo for Adrenalina, please visit their website adrenalina.it.
Photography courtesy of Adrenalina.