smarin’s livingstones pebble systems serve as both public seating and abstract installations
the cushions play with vast scales and biophilic forms, their shapes and densities allowing for limitless installation possibilities.
smarin explores vast scales and organic forms
Livingstones, the renowned pebble system from Smarin, celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. Their journey began in 2003 when the French studio developed cushions and seats with vast biophilic forms closely imitating the shape of pebbles. Over the years, Livingstones have evolved into a design phenomenon gracing public and private collections, as well as making appearances in museums and public spaces worldwide.
Handmade through a local production process, the cushions are covered with pure virgin wool felted jersey, free from any chemical dyes or finishes. Additionally, crafted from a single material unit, these artifacts are easily recyclable. By transcending conventions of public seating, Livingstones transform reception areas into concretely light installations, each weighing less than 30kg.
livingstones boast endless installation configurations
Despite being one of the most copied collections globally, Livingstones maintain their uniqueness due to Smarin’s distinct utilization of materials and craftsmanship. These iconic pieces strike a delicate balance, resisting imitation and embodying a reflection of a frugal and utopian vision of sustainable living. Designed to disrupt and re-enchant interiors and living conventions, the cushions play with scales and forms, their shapes and densities further allowing for limitless installation possibilities. Their scale and flexible configurations are the result of the French studio’s research into health, ergonomics, and informal postures, with a particular emphasis on the deconstruction of hierarchical spaces, emphasizing slowness and stillness and becoming landscapes, whether domestic or public.
‘Livingstones are now design icons, thanks to their unique form, their systemic approach, and their organic appearance. They have opened up a space within the Space, that of an ideal, permanent holiday, and continue to inspire us,’ notes lead designer Stéphanie Marin.
project info:
name: Livingstones
designer: Smarin
lead designer: Stéphanie Marin and her team
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