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 is the Maralunga's adjustable backrest mechanism?
The backrest and headrest are raised or lowered via a discreet chain concealed within the foam cushion. The adjustment requires no visible hardware, preserving the sofa's clean silhouette in any position.
Why did the Maralunga win the Compasso d'Oro?
The Compasso d'Oro jury awarded the Maralunga in 1979 for the originality and functional integrity of its adjustable backrest concept. The recognition reflected genuine formal invention rather than stylistic novelty.
Who designed the Maralunga and when?
Vico Magistretti designed the Maralunga for Cassina in 1973. Magistretti was one of the central figures of Italian rationalist design, known for solutions that unified structural logic with quiet elegance.
Is the Maralunga still in production?
Yes. Cassina continues to produce the Maralunga in Italy, and it remains part of the brand's I Maestri collection, which preserves the work of historically significant designers.
What upholstery options are available for the Maralunga?
The Maralunga is available in a broad range of Cassina fabrics and leathers. Specific options vary and are best confirmed through a design consultation to match project requirements.