Just as design in public spaces is inspired by our living rooms, our living rooms are looking to parks and their designer benches for inspiration. Bringing these two worlds together creates multifunctional products where only the weather dictates the material used. Manta was created as an unconventional seating element for public spaces, but its flowing curves and aesthetic form, by designer Lucie Koldová, have let it spread its wings much further afield. The elegance of a ray can now be felt in a new, interior version made of bent oak plywood.
Manta attracts attention both as a beautiful standalone piece and as a fresh solution for work and relaxation. Its swooping curves echo the movement of imaginary waves, symbolising a smooth workflow, while the form also provides ample comfort for reading a book or enjoying a coffee. The transition from one horizontal level to another creates multifunctional spaces which work in tandem to form a complex minimalist object fulfilling the roles of a table, bench or work desk. The new Manta’s uniqueness extends to its materials too.
“From the first sketch I wanted to design a product which works from all angles, and which will flexibly react to the demands of modern life,” explains Koldová, who adds, “The range combines materials to test what’s possible, which led me to the idea of using bent plywood for Manta. Oak plywood suits its aesthetic perfectly, as well as helping soften the metal structure, creating pleasant seating for any setting.
With Manta you can create a personal oasis of relaxation almost anywhere - it provides a space for focus or relaxation. The body is made up of a sheet of bent oak plywood mated to a subtle steel structure. A choice of colours can further enhance this harmonious partnership. The oak is impregnated with oil to preserve its natural appearance. Thanks to the wood’s unique character and patterning, each natural piece is one-of-a-kind. The coloured models are available in your choice of a stained or lacquered finish. Thanks to an innovative manufacturing approach, all the various plywood forms can be produced with just a single mould.
Manta’s popularity among the professional public can be testified by its 2020 Red Dot Design and Elle Decoration and Design (EDIDA) awards, and by Lucie Koldová’s victory in the Czech Grand Design competition for 2019.
