Extension of the home

For Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni has designed the Sail Out and Dine Out collections of unique outdoor furniture that not only provides a glimpse into Cassina's heritage, but also his own signature as a designer.

– My designs are often sober and thoughtful. There is an inherent versatility that is in line with my personality. Whether I am designing furniture for indoor or outdoor use, I stand on the same ground," says Rodolfo.

Sail Out is inspired by the summer months of the 1950s. Why was that era chosen?

– The 1950s were one big post-World War II rebirth. It was a time of financial boom characterised by a newfound carefree and light-hearted approach to life. And this was reflected in the outdoor furniture of holiday homes. I drew particular inspiration from the inflatable canvas mattresses that were typical of the era, and used that in the design process for Sail Out.

The feeling of freedom, fresh air and moving around in the open air is something that Dordoni wants to convey in its design of outdoor furniture. Always with elegance and comfort in focus. This is possible in part thanks to the SoloSoff® padding, a kind of polyester fibre foam that is inserted into individually sewn pockets in the upholstery of the Sail Out Ottoman and Modular Sofa.

Freedom is a recurring value for Rodolfo Dordoni and freedom has permeated the design of the outdoor furniture.

– In terms of function and use, the design process is similar. But when it comes to constraints, and sometimes freedom, the process differs. "The outdoor furniture represents a completely new aesthetic, which at the same time must be able to be in dialogue with the outdoor environment and function as an extension of the home," says Rodolfo.

Cement, terrazzo and teak all come together in a cosy way in Dine Out. How did you end up with these materials?

– For me it was important to have a variety of materials. On the one hand, I wanted to use materials that are considered classic for outdoor use, but also materials that might not be as obvious. I wanted to give the collection a tactile feel, and we did a lot of research to find the right quality fabrics that are suitable for outdoor use, but have the same feel as indoor fabrics.

– There is no perfect furniture. Neither for indoor or outdoor use, it's more about a feeling, an atmosphere.

Is there a perfect piece of outdoor furniture?

– There is no perfect furniture. Neither for indoor or outdoor use, it's more about a feeling, an atmosphere.

The atmosphere, yes. As a lighting designer, Rodolfo Dordoni has made a name for himself with works such as Lumiere and Pochette for Foscarini, and the Ray lamp for Flos. Several of Dordoni's designs are on display at MoMa in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Even though it may not be the first thing you think of in the outdoor environment, light plays an important role here too.

– A good dinner or a lovely evening on the patio requires the right atmosphere and light. As with interior design, light is an essential part of the overall design of the environment. Although the need for artificial light disappears for many hours in the middle of the day when natural light is available, how you work with light outdoors is crucial. Each situation requires its own specific lighting scheme. "Just as plants, flowers and the garden itself are an important part of the architecture, a balanced dialogue between the natural elements and the furniture is required," says Rodolfo.

Sail Out and Dine Out are designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Cassina and are available at Nordiska Galleriet.