Maralunga
Made by Cassina
Designed by Vico Magistretti
Designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973, the Maralunga earned the Compasso d'Oro in 1979, recognized not for its moment but for the endurance of its idea. The defining gesture is an adjustable backrest and headrest operated by a discreet chain mechanism concealed within the foam cushion. The silhouette shifts between a low, architectural profile and a high, enveloping posture, changing the character of the piece entirely without altering its form.
Magistretti's sensibility was always rooted in clarity. The Maralunga's soft, rounded contours carry no excess. Every curve serves the body or the eye. It remains one of the most studied examples of Italian industrial design precisely because the ergonomic innovation and the formal beauty are inseparable, two expressions of the same thought.
- Adjustable backrest and headrest via concealed chain mechanism
- Available in a wide selection of fabrics and leathers
- Originally designed 1973, Compasso d'Oro awarded 1979
- Produced by Cassina in Italy
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Maralunga
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Maralunga sofa design significant?
The Maralunga, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, was among the first sofas to integrate an adjustable headrest as a core design concept rather than an accessory. Its innovative chain mechanism within the cushion allows the backrest to shift posture fluidly, earning it the Compasso d'Oro in 1979.
How does the Maralunga's adjustable headrest work?
A chain mechanism is embedded within the foam backrest cushion, allowing the headrest to be raised or lowered without any visible hardware. The adjustment is intuitive and leaves the sofa's clean silhouette entirely intact in either position.
What configurations is the Maralunga available in?
The Maralunga is produced by Cassina in armchair, two-seater, and three-seater configurations, each available in a wide selection of fabric and leather upholstery options.
Who was Vico Magistretti?
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) was a Milanese architect and designer regarded as one of the central figures of postwar Italian design. His work for manufacturers including Cassina, Artemide, and De Padova consistently reconciled industrial production with poetic formal intelligence.
Is the Maralunga still in production by Cassina?
Yes, the Maralunga remains part of Cassina's permanent collection and is produced today with the same constructive principles Magistretti established in 1973, available as a made-to-order piece with current upholstery selections.
