A paradox in the heart of the city, where a desert of sand becomes the stage for a surreal apparition: Christine Kalia’s majestic modular sofa, appearing like a mirage.
The creative duo Barbieri Magalini meets Cypriot architect and furniture designer Christine Kalia. The result is the installation “Specular Oasis” (SPAZIO MM, via Maroncelli 3): a desert of sand from which a metallic modular sofa, designed by Christine Kalia, emerges, seemingly floating and transforming before the visitor’s eyes. Interview with Barbieri Magalini and Christine Kalia.
How did the idea for “Specular Oasis” come about?
We wanted to create an immersive experience that challenges the perception of reality while reflecting on conviviality. We introduced an unexpected element into the heart of the city to evoke a sense of wonder. Hence, the choice to recreate a desert of sand as a stage, from which a metallic modular sofa emerges, appearing as a mirage.
What role does design play in the project?
The sofa is not just a piece of furniture but the beating heart of the installation. Its seemingly inflatable and modular appearance, combined with its texture and shifting reflections, makes it almost a living entity, capable of transforming depending on the light and the viewer’s perspective. It is designed to be experienced, touched, and explored. It is not just a seat but an experience that engages all the senses.
What do you hope to convey to visitors?
The installation is an invitation to slow down and immerse oneself in a dimension where time and space are suspended. In an era dominated by speed and concreteness, we wanted to create an oasis of reflection and wonder. Each visitor leaves an ephemeral imprint on the sand, while mirrored surfaces multiply movements, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.
