“Cassina 9.0” exhibition / Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation / © Omar Sartor
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Cassina iMaestri collection, the Italian furniture manufacturer looks back on as many years of creation through a special book, Echoes, Cassina. 50 years of iMaestri. Among the famous pieces featured is Charlotte Perriand's stunning Barrel Refuge.
Known for her now-iconic designs for Le Corbusier, the French architect and designer also brought her creative spirit to solo projects, including the Barrel Refuge. Conceived in 1938, this mountain refuge features futuristic lines inspired by a children's carousel, which Charlotte Perriand had photographed during a trip to Croatia. With Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier's cousin, she designed a lightweight metal structure composed of aluminum elements. This design facilitated the shelter's transport and installation in just three days. The refuge rests on stilts, allowing it to be placed on any terrain, even steep slopes.
Finally, its shape makes it wind-resistant, and its aluminum cladding allows the surrounding snow to melt through its radiant heat. The interior space is organized around a central metal shaft; thanks to a compact layout, the shelter offers eight beds spread over two floors.
ECHOES, CASSINA. 50 YEARS OF IMAESTRI BY DESIGN HISTORIAN IVAN MIETTON,
UNDER THE ARTISTIC DIRECTION OF NICOLA AGUZZI OF UNDO-REDO.
