After undergoing two years of development, the Assaya armchair by Satyendra Pakhalé finally makes its debut. The name is in Marathi, Pakhalé’s native tongue, and means “to provide comfortable support” or to create pleasant sensations.” Assaya also implies the act of analysing and evaluating.
It was originally designed in 2012 as part of a contest to celebrate Poltrona Frau’s centenary. The concept was inspired from modern-day lifestyles in an increasingly connected world where the boundaries between the domestic space and the workplace are further blurred. The resulting collection is a cross between the contemporary and the traditional; between the needs of an evolving society and the excellence of Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship in processing leather and hide.
The pouf, side table and lap tray are an integral part of the project and are suitable for creating formal or informal settings to facilitate both working and leisure activities. The side table and lap tray are practical and versatile accessories that can accommodate laptops, tablets or books.
The armchair is generously sized, ensuring comfort and according to ergonomics. Viewed from the side, the backrest recalls the sinuosity of a corset. Its design embraces and encapsulates an elegant combination of leather and hide and of rigid and soft elements. The external hide shell is modelled by a skilful series of cuts and stitches that give the material great ductility. The upholstery of the seat and the inside of the backrest are in Pelle Frau® leather from the Color System or Pelle Frau® Nest, Soul or Century leather.
The structure of the backrest and armrests, comprising a single shell, is in rigid polyurethane padded with polyurethane foam and wadding. The seat is in seasoned beech wood with elastic belts and padding similar to the backrest. The armchair swivels 360° and automatically returns to its starting position.
The pouf, is comprised of the same materials as the armchairs, with the structure in seasoned beech wood and with padding around the edges in polyurethane foam and springs with elastic belts. The seat cushion is integrated in the chair and padded with polyurethane foam and wadding. Upholstery is in the Pelle Frau® leather collections as with the armchair.
The side table has a single steel leg with moulded profile. The surface is in birch plywood with light polyurethane foam padding. The base is an aluminium-colored painted steel plate. The top of the surface and the exterior of the leg are in Cuoio Saddle Extra Frau® leather; Pelle Frau® Nest leather is used for the lower part of the surface and the inside of the leg with contrast stitching.
The laptray structure is in poplar plywood with light polyurethane foam padding in the lower part. The surface comes in Cuoio Saddle Extra Frau® leather and lower part in Pelle Frau® leather from the Color System or Pelle Frau® Nest leather and also features contrast stitching.
Designer: Satyendra Pakhalé
