Bronze Furniture Design · 2025
Primadonna Armchair
by Ariane Rosa
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Ariane Rosa Arquitetura e Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,625
- Verification code F68D625F83 · Verify this award
About Primadonna Armchair
The Primadonna Armchair is a masterful blend of elegance and comfort. Its circular frame, crafted from solid wood, features smooth, flowing lines that highlight its timeless design. The armchair includes an upholstered seat and cushions for exceptional comfort, complemented by a matching ottoman. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, it balances aesthetics and functionality, offering versatility for a variety of interiors. The Primadonna is not only a seating solution but also a sophisticated statement of refined craftsmanship.
Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Primadonna Armchair emerges from a rich lineage of organic modernist furniture design that traces its ancestry through the bent plywood experiments of mid-twentieth-century Scandinavian and American designers who sought to reconcile industrial production methods with humanistic form vocabularies, representing a contemporary continuation of efforts to create seating that addresses both corporeal comfort and aesthetic contemplation through the integration of sculptural ambition and functional performance. The design demonstrates considerable compositional sophistication through its bold deployment of continuous curved elements that define the armature, these sweeping wooden ribbons establishing a dynamic formal language that animates the piece while maintaining structural clarity and ergonomic logic, the generous proportions and substantial material presence suggesting a commitment to enduring quality and long-term user satisfaction rather than ephemeral trend accommodation. The chromatic restraint evident in the warm neutral palette of honey-toned wood and cream upholstery reflects a design philosophy that privileges material authenticity and timeless appeal over decorative exuberance, allowing the inherent beauty of natural timber grain and textile weave to communicate without chromatic distraction, while the careful calibration of tonal relationships between structural frame and cushioned volumes creates visual harmony that unifies disparate materials into coherent aesthetic expression. The technical execution reveals accomplished command of bent wood fabrication techniques, whether through laminate molding, steam bending, or contemporary CNC-assisted forming processes, with the dramatic curvature of the arms requiring precise engineering to balance structural integrity with graceful visual flow, while the splayed leg geometry demonstrates understanding of load distribution and stability requirements translated into sculptural form that enhances rather than compromises the design's aesthetic agenda. The upholstery strategy, featuring generous cushioning and casually arranged accent pillows, introduces an element of domestic warmth and lived-in comfort that tempers the precision of the wooden frame, suggesting that the design seeks to inhabit the productive tension between sculptural object and functional furniture, between museum-worthy form and everyday utility, the soft textile volumes providing necessary ergonomic support while their visual softness creates effective counterpoint to the wood's structural crispness. The ottoman's inclusion as companion piece extends the seating system's functional range while creating opportunities for varied spatial arrangements and use scenarios, its circular platform echoing the curved vocabulary of the primary chair while its independent mobility allows users to customize their comfort configuration. The design appears to engage with enduring questions in furniture design regarding the relationship between craft tradition and industrial production, between unique artistic expression and democratic accessibility, between formal innovation and typological continuity, positioning itself within ongoing conversations about how contemporary designers might honor historical precedents while advancing new formal and experiential possibilities. One might observe resonances with the work of designers who explored bent wood's sculptural potential during furniture design's modernist consolidation, yet the Primadonna Armchair articulates its own distinct voice through the particular character of its curves, the specific proportions of its elements, and the carefully considered relationship between structure and surface, frame and fill, hardness and softness. The piece invites contemplation of how furniture functions as both functional tool and cultural artifact, serving immediate bodily needs while simultaneously communicating values, aspirations, and aesthetic commitments that extend beyond pure utility into realms of symbolic meaning and experiential enrichment, suggesting that well-conceived seating can elevate daily life through beauty, comfort, and the quiet pleasure of dwelling among thoughtfully crafted objects that reward sustained attention and extended use.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Primadonna armchair was conceived to offer an unprecedented design that stands apart in the market with its unique aesthetics. Crafted from sustainably sourced solid kiri wood, it features a removable upholstered seat in waterproof fabric, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. Its modular design includes a matching ottoman that doubles as a footrest or side table. Customizable finishes and loose cushions prioritize both beauty and unmatched comfort, redefining functional luxury.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Armchair Dimensions: Width 900 mm x Depth 800 mm x Height 600 mm
Ottoman Dimensions: Width 500 mm x Depth 600 mm x Height 350 mm
Both pieces are designed for ease of assembly and disassembly, optimizing packaging with reduced volume for efficient transport. The armchair features a removable upholstered seat and loose cushions, while the ottoman doubles as a side table, combining functionality with compact practicality. - Tags
- wooden armmchair, kiri wood, solid wood furniture, wood armchair, armchair design, armchair
- Production Technology
- The Primadonna armchair is meticulously handcrafted from sustainably sourced solid kiri wood, valued for its strength and lightness. The production process relies on skilled artisans to shape its elegant curves and seamless joints. Designed with practicality in mind, the chair and ottoman are easily disassembled, allowing for compact packaging and efficient transport. Upholstered in waterproof, high-performance fabric, the Primadonna combines artisanal quality, functional design, and timeless beauty.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this design activity was creating a unique piece using manual techniques, without relying on advanced machinery. The challenge lay in combining innovation with craftsmanship, while ensuring that the design remained functional, aesthetically pleasing, and scalable. Internal factors, such as a deep respect for traditional methods, and external factors, such as limited production possibilities and technological constraints, required creative problem-solving to overcome and achieve the desired result.
- Project Duration
- The Primadonna armchair project began in june 2024 in Itapema and finished in december 2024 in Itajai, Brazil, and it is not yet in production. Its design was meticulously crafted to ensure a balance of innovation, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
- Operation Flow
- The Primadonna armchair offers a seamless blend of beauty and functionality. Its loose cushions provide customizable comfort, while the ottoman serves as both a footrest and a side table, adapting to different needs. The removable seat makes cleaning and fabric changes simple, ensuring longevity. Designed to be easily disassembled, it simplifies transport and storage. The Primadonna enhances any space with its versatility, comfort, and timeless elegance, creating a truly engaging experience.
- Research
- This research yielded an innovative armchair, blending functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The goal was a unique, scalable, modular design for easy transport and assembly. Market analysis confirmed efficient production feasibility using sustainably sourced wood, reducing costs and boosting sustainability. The final design is innovative and eco-friendly, with strong market potential. This work advances furniture design and promotes responsible production.
- Inspiration
- The Primadonna armchair was inspired by the desire to create a truly unique and captivating piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Drawing from the elegance of mid-century modern design and the organic beauty of natural materials, the chair embodies timeless sophistication. Extensive research on ergonomics and sustainable practices informed its design, ensuring comfort and environmental responsibility. The result is a harmonious balance between innovation, artistry, and utility.
Colors of Primadonna Armchair
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G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Primadonna Armchair
The Primadonna Armchair was inspired by the idea of presence. It explores the relationship between comfort, elegance and personality, translating the image of a woman who enters a room and naturally becomes the center of attention. The design is not about excess, but about attitude, proportion and visual impact. Its main principle is to create a piece that is both functional and expressive, capable of transforming an interior through form, texture and emotion.
My main focus was to create an armchair with a strong identity, one that could offer comfort while also acting as a sculptural element in the space. I wanted to achieve a balance between softness and power: a piece that feels welcoming to the body, but also has enough visual strength to define the atmosphere around it. Primadonna was designed to be memorable, elegant and emotionally engaging.
My future plans are to expand the visibility of the Primadonna Armchair through exhibitions, editorial publications and strategic partnerships with brands aligned with authorial design. I also intend to study possibilities for production, licensing or limited editions, always preserving the identity and quality of the original concept.
The concept was developed over several months, from the first sketches and references to the refinement of proportions, volumes and details. The process involved research, visual experimentation and technical adjustments to ensure that the final piece would have both expressive power and ergonomic coherence.
This design was born from an authorial inspiration, not from a commission. I wanted to create a piece that would represent feminine presence, confidence and sophistication through furniture design. The idea was to go beyond a conventional armchair and create an object with a narrative, a piece that could communicate identity and emotion within an interior.
At this moment, the design is managed by my studio as an authorial piece. I am open to future partnerships with companies that understand the value of design with identity, craftsmanship and strong visual presence. The possibility of licensing, production rights or limited production may be considered, provided that the essence and quality of the design are preserved.
I have always been interested in furniture as a powerful element of interior architecture. An armchair is more than a seat; it can define a corner, create a pause, invite the body to rest and also express the personality of the space. I chose this type of work because it allows a very intimate relationship between design, comfort and presence.
The Primadonna Armchair was mainly influenced by my own research into authorial interiors, feminine forms, visual rhythm and emotional design. Rather than following a specific designer or existing piece, I was interested in creating a personal interpretation of elegance and presence. The inspiration comes from fashion, performance, architecture and the way certain objects can command attention without needing to be loud.
The target customer is someone who values authorial design, individuality and emotional connection with the objects they choose. It is intended for clients, collectors, architects, interior designers and design brands looking for a statement piece with elegance, comfort and identity. Primadonna is especially suited for sophisticated residential interiors, lounges, boutique hotels and spaces where furniture is expected to create atmosphere.
What sets Primadonna apart is the combination of visual impact, feminine energy and refined comfort. It is not only designed to be beautiful; it is designed to have presence. Its proportions, volume and character give it an almost theatrical quality, while still remaining suitable for daily use. The piece carries a sense of personality that makes it recognizable and emotionally memorable.
The name Primadonna refers to the leading female figure in an opera, the woman who occupies the stage with strength, beauty and magnetism. For me, the name expresses the essence of the armchair: a piece designed to stand out naturally, with elegance and confidence. It suggests protagonism, femininity and presence without losing sophistication.
The design process began with conceptual research, hand sketches and visual studies. Digital tools were then used to refine proportions, structure and details, including 3D modeling and technical drawings. These tools allowed me to test scale, ergonomics, material possibilities and the overall visual balance of the piece.
The most unique aspect of Primadonna is its ability to combine softness and strength in a single gesture. It has an expressive personality, but it does not sacrifice comfort. The piece was designed to be experienced both visually and physically, creating a connection between the body, the space and the emotion of being surrounded by meaningful design.
The design was developed under my creative direction, with the support of technical professionals involved in the development and realization of furniture pieces. Collaboration with specialized skills is essential in this type of work, especially when refining structure, upholstery, proportions and production feasibility. The final result depends on the balance between creative vision and technical precision.
Technology played an important role in transforming the initial concept into a precise and viable design. Digital modeling and technical development helped evaluate proportions, ergonomics and construction details before realization. Technology was not used to replace intuition or authorship, but to support the creative process and improve accuracy.
Yes. The design was influenced by research into ergonomics, proportions, furniture typologies, materials and the emotional impact of objects within interiors. I also observed how people interact with lounge chairs in residential and hospitality spaces. This analytical research was combined with aesthetic and conceptual investigation, especially around feminine presence, comfort and statement furniture.
One of the main challenges was achieving the right balance between strong visual identity and real comfort. A statement piece cannot be only sculptural; it must also welcome the body. Another challenge was refining the proportions so that the armchair would feel expressive, but not excessive. The development required careful adjustments in volume, structure and details.
I decided to submit Primadonna because I believed the piece had a strong authorial identity and could communicate beyond its local context. International competitions are important because they place the work in dialogue with a broader design community. For me, it was also a way to test the strength of the concept and expand the visibility of Brazilian authorial design.
This project reinforced the importance of trusting a strong concept while remaining open to refinement. I improved my ability to balance emotion, aesthetics and technical decisions within the same object. Designing Primadonna also deepened my understanding of how furniture can carry narrative, identity and atmosphere, not only function.
Primadonna is a piece about presence, but also about sensitivity. It reflects my belief that design should not be neutral when it has the opportunity to move people. A chair can be comfortable, functional and technically well resolved, but it can also tell a story, express a personality and change the way a space is perceived. That is what I wanted to achieve with this design.
Grand Interview about Primadonna Armchair
Absolutely — choosing kiri wood was both a conscious and poetic decision. Known for its lightness, strength, and fast-regenerating properties, kiri embodies the very principles I wanted the Primadonna to express: elegance, responsibility, and longevity. Its sustainable nature aligned beautifully with my commitment to environmentally sensitive design, but it also offered unique aesthetic and structural opportunities.The circular frame of the Primadonna was directly shaped by the wood’s inherent qualities. Kiri is surprisingly pliable for a hardwood, allowing me to explore continuous curves and sculptural softness without compromising durability. That fluid, enveloping silhouette became central to the chair’s identity — not just visually, but emotionally. It embraces the user in a gesture of comfort and presence.By working with a material that’s both gentle on the earth and generous in its expression, I was able to craft a piece that feels as light as it looks — airy, elegant, but grounded in intention.
The idea behind the Primadonna’s modular design was born from a deep understanding of how modern living demands flexibility without sacrificing style or comfort. Contemporary spaces often require furniture that adapts seamlessly to different moods, functions, and moments — whether it’s a quiet afternoon of relaxation, an intimate conversation, or a casual gathering.Incorporating the ottoman as both a footrest and a side table was a way to honor this versatility. It’s a piece that invites the user to interact with it on multiple levels — to put their feet up, to place a book or a cup of tea, or even to rearrange the setting according to their needs. This dual functionality reflects my belief that good design should enhance daily life by being as dynamic and multifaceted as the people who live it.Moreover, the clean lines and cohesive aesthetics ensure that functionality never feels utilitarian or intrusive. Instead, it becomes an elegant extension of the chair’s sculptural form — a quiet companion that enriches the space while respecting its character.
Thank you for highlighting that — the smooth, flowing lines of the Primadonna are truly the result of a deep dialogue between the material, the hand, and the eye. Working primarily with manual techniques presented both challenges and opportunities to honor the wood’s natural qualities while achieving the chair’s elegant silhouette.Kiri wood, while lightweight and flexible, requires meticulous care during shaping and finishing to maintain structural integrity without losing its softness. The process involved a careful balance between precision carving and intuitive adjustments, always attentive to the grain, texture, and subtle variations in each piece.One of the greatest challenges was ensuring continuity in the curves — that seamless flow which gives the chair its iconic embrace. This demanded patience, repeated refinements, and a sensitivity that only comes from working closely with the material, almost as if the chair guided the maker’s hands.In the end, those flowing lines are more than an aesthetic choice — they are a celebration of craftsmanship, material respect, and the human touch. It’s this blend that I believe gives Primadonna its timeless elegance and soul.
Balancing durability with sophistication was central to the fabric choice for the Primadonna. I wanted the upholstery to complement the chair’s graceful form while meeting the practical demands of everyday living — especially considering how many people now seek pieces that blend luxury with resilience.The high-performance, waterproof fabric offered the perfect solution. It provides protection against wear, spills, and exposure, ensuring the chair remains beautiful and functional over time. But beyond its technical qualities, the fabric’s texture and finish were carefully selected to enhance the tactile experience and visual harmony with the warm, natural tones of the kiri wood.I believe that true luxury lies not only in appearance but also in longevity and comfort. Choosing a fabric that could endure without compromising on elegance was a way to honor the user’s lifestyle while maintaining the Primadonna’s refined character.
Ergonomics was at the core of the Primadonna’s design journey. I believe that true elegance is inseparable from comfort, and for a piece as intimate as an armchair, this connection becomes even more essential.My research involved studying the natural posture of the human body, the subtle ways it seeks support and relaxation. The specific curves of the Primadonna — from the gentle sweep of the circular frame to the contour of the upholstered seat and backrest — were carefully sculpted to cradle the body without imposing, inviting a feeling of effortless repose.Proportions were refined through iterative testing, ensuring the chair accommodates a wide range of users while maintaining its sculptural integrity. The balance between openness and enclosure allows the sitter to feel both embraced and free, which is fundamental to the armchair’s emotional appeal.Ultimately, this ergonomic focus ensures that Primadonna is not only a statement of style but a sanctuary of well-being — where beauty and comfort coexist seamlessly.
Designing the Primadonna to be easily disassembled without compromising its structural integrity was a key engineering challenge — and a reflection of my commitment to both practicality and enduring quality.From the outset, I focused on creating a joinery system that would allow secure connections yet remain accessible for assembly and transport. This involved selecting durable, precision-engineered fittings that align perfectly with the chair’s organic forms, ensuring stability without visible hardware disrupting the aesthetic.Attention was also given to the distribution of loads throughout the frame, so that even when assembled or disassembled, the chair maintains its strength and comfort. The modular nature respects the material’s limits, particularly the kiri wood’s flexibility, while leveraging its strength in key areas.Ultimately, this efficient system enhances the chair’s versatility, making it ideal for contemporary lifestyles where mobility and adaptability are increasingly valued — all without sacrificing the timeless elegance and solidity that define Primadonna.
My Brazilian background and connection to the rich tradition of craftsmanship here have profoundly shaped the Primadonna. Brazil’s culture is full of warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for natural materials — qualities that I wanted to infuse into this piece.Growing up surrounded by artisans and the vibrant design community, I learned to value the human touch and storytelling embedded in handmade work. This influence guided my approach to balancing precision and softness in the Primadonna’s design, marrying contemporary techniques with a soulful, handcrafted feel.The Brazilian landscape and its diverse textures also inspired the chair’s fluid forms and natural finishes, reflecting a sense of place and belonging. Ultimately, the Primadonna is a tribute to the spirit of Brazilian design — a blend of elegance, sustainability, and heartfelt craftsmanship.
The development journey of the Primadonna from June to December 2024 was full of insightful discoveries that enriched the final design in unexpected ways. One of the most significant was realizing how the interplay between the kiri wood’s natural flexibility and the hand-finishing techniques could be pushed further to enhance both comfort and sculptural presence.Early prototypes revealed subtle opportunities to refine the circular frame’s curvature, creating an even more enveloping embrace without compromising the chair’s lightness. This iterative process also led to innovations in the joinery system, making disassembly smoother while preserving strength.Another pleasant surprise was how the modular ottoman evolved from a simple footrest to a multifunctional companion piece, doubling as a side table and inviting new ways of interacting with the chair. This duality added a dynamic layer to the design, perfectly suited to contemporary lifestyles.Ultimately, these discoveries reinforced the philosophy that design is a living dialogue between material, maker, and user — a journey where openness to experimentation transforms intention into experience.
The idea of removable upholstered components in the Primadonna grew out of a desire to marry luxury with practicality — ensuring that the chair remains as beautiful and inviting years down the line as it is the day it’s first enjoyed.Initially, the focus was on comfort and aesthetic harmony, but as the design evolved, I recognized the importance of easy maintenance in real-life use. I wanted users to feel confident that their investment would endure without sacrificing elegance.This led to developing a system that allows the upholstery to be gently removed and reattached without disrupting the chair’s seamless silhouette. It required close collaboration with fabric specialists and craftsmen to ensure the fastening mechanisms were both durable and discreet.The result is a feature that supports sustainability by extending the piece’s lifespan and offering the possibility of refreshing or replacing textiles over time — all while preserving the Primadonna’s refined appearance and comfort.
Sustainability was a fundamental guiding principle throughout the Primadonna’s design and production. From the very start, I prioritized responsibly sourced kiri wood — a fast-growing, renewable species known for its strength and lightness — ensuring that the material footprint was as low as possible without compromising quality.The production process itself emphasizes precision and care to minimize waste. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques allowed us to use the wood efficiently, reducing offcuts and maximizing each piece’s potential. Additionally, the modular and disassemblable design extends the chair’s lifecycle by making transport easier and repairs or refurbishment more feasible.Beyond materials and manufacturing, I see sustainability as a holistic commitment — one that encompasses durability, emotional connection, and timeless design. The Primadonna invites users to cherish their piece as a lasting companion, fostering a relationship that counters disposable culture and supports a more mindful, environmentally conscious industry.