Santa and Cole’s reproduction of the Coliseum armchair stays true to the original that was designed by Evarist Mora for the Eighth Salon del Hogar Moderno exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, in 1942.
Its clean, avant garde shape and lines, inspired by the Art Deco movement of the early 20th century makes it an appealing piece of furniture that is eminently suitable for areas such as reception rooms and hotel lobbies and lounges.
The 1942 exhibition in Barcelona was spearheaded by the Foment de les Arts Decoratives and highlighted various designs that were deemed radical or progressive at the time. Mora’s Coliseum armchair drew attention because of its rendition of geometry into something that was not only functional, but pleasing to the eye as well. Instead of resting on four legs, it stands on a square wooden frame, conveying an impression of strength and stolidity. It isn’t just a visual pleasure, though; it’s a fully functional piece of furniture that actually seems to invite people to use it.
The Art Deco movement of the 1920s, which has been defined as a mixture of various other design movements that include art nouveau, modernism, cubism, and constructivism, has been revisited throughout the years when designers and decorators try to capture a certain retro look. I’m sure it isn’t just hotel chairs that benefit from Art Deco revivals today. I’m thinking there are many other similarly-themed types of contract furniture, such as modern bar chairs and tables, out in the market.
Functionalism, geometric attributes, aesthetics, and comfort; these are the characteristics of the Coliseum - a satisfying blend of the decorative arts and utility. Though it isn’t as outrageously exciting as, say ice chairs found in ice hotels in Sweden and Canada, it sure as heck must be a thousand times more comfortable and practical.
