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It’s Sustainability Through + Through for the Taco Chair

09.29.23 | By
It’s Sustainability Through + Through for the Taco Chair

Extensive experimentation in three-dimensional shapes by designer Alessandro Stabile and the know-how of manufacturer LaCividina have come together in the perfect storm. The Taco Chair celebrates sustainability – not only the materials and production process used to create the seating, but also its future disposal. The concept is simple enough, a flat surface is developed into a three-dimensional frame using simple cuts and stitches, with felt being the natural material choice.

“My intention was first and foremost to create a high-quality armchair that was above all comfortable and functional, and based on a completely different technology from that used for the production of most traditional upholstered furniture,” explains Stabile.

three blue-grey modern armchairs lined up with a side table

Once paper and fabric models on 3D-printed frames and 1:1 scale prototypes were created, Stabile connected with LaCividina. “A natural choice, in a way,” says Fulvio Bulfoni, Chairman of the brand, “because of our great manufacturing capacity in terms of fabrics, stitching and upholstery, but above all for that aesthetic and formal relationship between the metal frame and the padding that has become a real strength of our products.”

two dark grey modern armchairs with two occasional tables between them

While the Taco Chair isn’t your typical padded armchair, it is incredibly comfortable. That’s thanks to the two layers of 8-mm felt that act as both upholstery and support, enclosing a sheet of technical material that keeps its shape over time.

design sketches of a modern armchair

LaCividina employed a few simple elements during production to reduce manufacturing steps, resulting in lower energy and material consumption. And because it’s so lightweight, the Taco Chair is responsible for lower CO2 emissions during transport. Also, there are no adhesives used in the seating, making it easy to disassemble in its entirety at the end of life to be recycled.

modern green armchair on white background

detail of modern green armchair on white background

overhead image of a large group of colorful modern armchairs on a white background

modern blue-grey armchair on white background

modern blue-grey armchair on white background

modern blue-grey armchair on white background

modern blue-grey armchair on white background

To learn more about the Taco Chair, visit lacividina.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.