Sergio Rodrigues

About

Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) was responsible for establishing a new paradigm in design, setting himself apart with his own language in his investigation of a recognizable Brazilian identity. Rodrigues became notorious for using thick woods pieces of Rosewood, Peroba, and Imbuia to create quintessential icons. His exceptional Mole armchair (1957) was an immediate success, with a Rosewood structure and upholstered cushions supported by leather straps. The piece informed Rodrigues’ playfulness, and wit readily became associated with a typically Brazilian attitude and lifestyle.

The designer graduated from the Faculdade Nacional de Arquitetura in 1952 and founded one of the first modern furniture and art stores in Curitiba: Móveis Artesanal Paranaense. In 1955, Rodrigues opened the more established company Oca, which he referred to as a laboratory for Brazilian furniture and handicrafts and became one of the most critical components in the evolution of furniture in Brazil. Rodrigues later set out to design furniture, hotels, residences, and notorious pre-fabricated dwellings.

His work represents Brazil in many ways – relaxed, comfortable, sensual, humorous, yet sophisticated, and contemporary.