Sergio Rodrigues — The Father of Brazilian Design
Sergio Rodrigues, a Brazilian architect, and furniture designer, is often credited as the father of modern design in Brazil. Born into a family of artists and intellectuals in Rio de Janeiro in 1927, he graduated from the Faculdade Nacional de Arquitetura (the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism) in Rio de Janeiro in 1952.
Born into a family of artists and intellectuals in Rio de Janeiro in 1927, he graduated from the Faculdade Nacional de Arquitetura (the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism) in Rio de Janeiro in 1952. In 1954, Rodrigues went on to establish the first modern furniture and art store in Curitiba, named Moveis Artesanal Paranaense, with the Hauner Brothers. He later founded the Oca company, in 1955, focusing on the development of modern Brazilian furniture, which became a significant player in the modern furniture scene. He left Oca in 1968 and pursued the creation of furniture lines for industrial production, architecture projects, and hotel, residential, and office environments, as well as prefabricated homes.
His iconic Mole armchair is one of his most famous pieces, created in 1957, attracting attention within Europe. The Mole chair won first prize in 1961 at an international furniture competition, IV Concorso Internazionale del Mobile, in Italy. The chair was then produced in Italy by ISA under the name Sheriff for distribution in Europe. It featured Jaracanda wood, which is native to South America. The leather sling support structure and the overstuffed leather cushions, all drew inspiration from Brazil.
His design principles draw inspiration from traditional forms, utilizing native materials, such as Peroba, Jacaranda, and Imbuia woods. Rodrigues believed that furniture should reflect the culture of its origin, provide comfort for the climate and represent the Brazilian relaxed way of living. This was at odds with the design concept of time, which was focused on function and international design.
His career spanned 60 years, during which he created around 1,200 models for various places. His designs can be seen in the Brazilian Embassy in Rome as well as many interiors of Oscar Niemeyer’s buildings in Brasil. He was able to understand the architectural need of space and develop designs unique to each one.
