Linfa seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality. Its minimalist design offers exceptional stability and strength while maintaining a visually lightweight presence. Whether making a statement in urban squares or harmonizing with the natural beauty of a blooming park, Linfa effortlessly adapts to any setting.
The design comes from the collaboration between two studios: the Italian landscape architects AG&P greenscape and Cattaneo design. To explore the story behind Linfa, we spoke with its creators – Emanuele Bortolotti and Paolo Palmulli of AG&P Greenscape, along with Enrico and Anna Cattaneo of Cattaneo Design.
Linfa is a minimalist bench that defies its visual lightness with remarkable stability and strength. Was this your intention from the beginning?
Linfa was designed with the idea of creating a bench that could integrate harmoniously into any context, whether it is an urban environment, or a space surrounded by nature. The goal was to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality: on the one hand, an essential and refined design, on the other, a solid and practical structure. The visual lightness of the shape does not compromise the strength of the bench, which has been designed to be durable and suitable for many uses. Linfa manages to combine elegance and versatility, adapting perfectly to many different scenarios.
What types of benches does the collection include?
In addition to the basic seat with or without backrest, as an additional element, it will be possible to integrate a round side table to place a laptop or lunch. Due to its versatility, the different versions can be placed in a space to create unique geometric compositions, adapting perfectly to any type of design.
Where do you feel Linfa stands out the most?
Linfa particularly stands out in public projects, especially in urban contexts with a vibrant social life. Thanks to the versatile design and the possibility of creating compositions, this bench fits perfectly into meeting points, becoming an element that favors community and gathering.
Its strength lies in the fact that it can be inserted in spaces with lots of heavy use and still remain durable, despite its apparent lightness. The types of places in which we imagine Linfa include plazas, public parks and greenways, corporate campuses, schools, hospitals, and transit stations.
Introduce us to your collaboration between the landscape architects AG&P and the designers from the Cattaneo studio.
The collaboration between AG&P greenscape and Cattaneo design combines their respective expertise in landscape design and industrial product design, with the aim of developing projects for outdoor furniture. With the knowledge gained from years of research, development, and design in landscape and design, this synergy merges aesthetically, functionaly, and stylistically.
Did this collection address your needs? Did you find this type of product missing in your projects?
Yes, absolutely! Linfa responds perfectly to our needs, proving to be ideal both for large public parks and for smaller projects too. It's ideal for spaces that encourage social interaction, providing a functional and seamless connection to the surrounding environment.
What criteria do you consider most important when designing furniture for public spaces?
When designing furniture for public spaces, we consider several criteria to be fundamental. First of all, strength and durability, so a product can withstand time and frequent use. At the same time, functionality is essential to ensure comfort and convenience. The aesthetic aspect also plays an important role: we are looking for a simple but attractive design, able to blend with the surroundings. Finally, customization in composition and color adds value, allowing the furniture to adapt to various contexts and needs.
How did the name Linfa come about?
The name Linfa came from the idea of a simple and continuous line that, modulating in space, gives life to a new element. This concept immediately made us think of sap, ’linfa’ in Italian, the life force that flows inside plants, nourishing them and supporting their growth. It seemed to us a perfect inspiration to represent the fluid and organic design of the seat. In addition, an interesting detail is that the word Linfa can be written using the silhouette of the seat, further strengthening the link between the name and its shape.
Linfa will premier at Salone del Mobile 2025. Where can we find the collection?
You can visit us on the AG&P greenscape’s terrace at Savona 50, after the debute there will be a private event on Wednesday 9 April. The installation will then be opened to the public on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 April between 15:00 and 20:00. The collection will also be displayed during Design Week on the sidewalk just outside AG&P's greenscape studio and at Opificio 31 in Via Tortona, the hub of Tortona Rocks, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary with Unframed Design, moving away from the traditional exhibition format and removing predefined themes to focus on creative freedom.
