Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
About the Item
- Creator:Cassina (Manufacturer),Vico Magistretti (Designer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 93.71 in (238 cm)Depth: 37.41 in (95 cm)Seat Height: 22.84 in (58 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2023
- Production Type:New & Custom(Current Production)
- Estimated Production Time:15-16 weeks
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Berlin, DE
- Reference Number:
Maralunga Sofa
While origin stories behind the world’s timeless designs vary widely, the story of the Maralunga sofa is one of the best in design lore: As legend has it, when Cassina founder Cesare Cassina first saw the prototype for the piece in the mid-1970s by Italian furniture designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006), he was so disgusted by it that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumbled over itself . . . into the shape the piece would eventually take. (“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” Magistretti allegedly responded.)
Whether it was his accidental adjustment or further consideration of the design, Cassina clearly came around: His company debuted Magistretti’s design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, moved by way of a bicycle chain that runs underneath its plush foam cushions.
The effect is a sofa that serves two functions: It’s both a backdrop for social conversation and a setting for solo relaxation. “My intention with Maralunga was to design an object that represented a whole range of interior architecture with a familiar feel,” Magistretti said of the design. “Two positions, two possible uses, two different ways to create your own personal space inside a room.”
While the Maralunga’s boxy shape is pure ’70s, the sofa holds its own in a range of interiors and remains popular today. Cassina now produces it in a variety of upholstery options and, in 2014, enlisted a slew of designers to reinterpret it in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Vico Magistretti
As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Berlin, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 10 days of delivery.
- Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - newBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Berlin, DEThe two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Fabric, Wood
- Vico Magistretti Maralunga Sofa for Cassina, Italy - newBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Berlin, DEThe two-seater is available in 166cm or 190cm width. The three-seater is available in 238cm or 274cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. Cassin...Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Fabric, Wood
- Vico Magistretti Bookcase Nuvola Rossa for Cassina, Italy, newBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Berlin, DEPrices vary dependent on the chosen material. Please get in touch. Available in: LACQUERED RED BEECHWOOD LACQUERED WHITE BEECHWOOD LACQUERED BLACK BEECHWOOD NATURAL BEECHWOOD AMERICAN WALNUT Magistretti designed this folding bookcase with its clean, modern lines that can be used on a wall or as a room divider, freely combining more than one unit, depending on the space available...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWood
- Patricia Urquiola 'Beam' Sofa for Cassina, Italy newBy Patricia Urquiola, CassinaLocated in Berlin, DEModular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices are dependent on the color, material and size of the sofa. The price given applies to the...Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Patricia Urquiola 'Trampoline' Outdoor Sofa for Cassina, Italy newBy Patricia Urquiola, CassinaLocated in Berlin, DEOutdoor sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2020. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Rodolfo Dordoni 'Dress Up!' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, newBy Rodolfo Dordoni, CassinaLocated in Berlin, DEThe price given applies to the sofa as shown in the first picture. Please ask for pricing in different materials/colors. Sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordini in 2019. Manufactured by C...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFoam, Fabric
- Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Lasne, BESofa in creamy white fabric. It is possible to open the backrest for more comfort. Height when open: 96 cm. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Almelo, NLMaralunga sofas by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s An exemplary version of the iconic Maralunga sofas in original vintage fabric. The ov...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- 3-seater Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italy 1973By Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in PARIS, FRThe Maralunga sofa was created in 1973 by Vico Magistretti for the Italian firm Cassina. Known for his creations using simple, essential forms and the use of innovative materials for...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFaux Fur
- Vintage Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in LOS ANGELES, CALegendary design icon sofa, the 'Maralunga' by Vico Magistretti and fabricated / produced by CASSINA is a quintessential piece of Italian design. Celebrated for it's legendary comfor...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Vico Magistretti for Cassina "Maralunga" Sofa in Blue FabricBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Milano, ITSofa designed by Vico Magistretti for the Cassina factory in the 1970s. The two-seater sofa is entirely upholstered in original fabric of the time in perfect condition, no rips or da...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Cotton, Plastic
- Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" 3-seater re-upholstered sofa For CassinaBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in The Hague, NLIf it's classic Italian style you're after, look no further! Maralunga 3-seat Sofa, designed 1973 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features folding back rests cushions tha...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Bouclé
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Original in Berlin’s Lars Triesch Has Turned a Passion for Design into a Booming Business
His two gallery spaces in the German capital bring together thousands of pieces ranging from mid-century classics and Murano glass to covetable reproductions manufactured in-house.