On 14 October 2026, Space Furniture Asia presented Curious by Nature, an exclusive design event and exhibition at its landmark Space Furniture Asia Hub showroom in Singapore, in collaboration with Italian furniture brand Kartell and acclaimed architect and designer Roberto Palomba.
A leading figure in contemporary Italian design, Roberto Palomba is an architect and designer who co-founded the Milan-based studio Palomba Serafini Associati with his partner, Ludovica Serafini, in 1994. Known for their distinctive approach to form, proportion and materiality, the duo has collaborated with some of the world’s most recognised furniture and lifestyle brands. Their work spans furniture, lighting, architecture and interior design, often balancing sculptural expression with practical functionality.
A defining voice in contemporary Italian design, Roberto Palomba, co-founder of Palomba Serafini Associati, joined Space Furniture Asia for Curious by Nature, offering a closer look at his creative vision for Kartell, where sculptural expression, material innovation and everyday functionality converge. Image: Space Furniture Asia Hub
The exhibition explored the intersection of industrial innovation, contemporary design and nature, showcasing Kartell’s evolution from a pioneer in plastic furniture to a lifestyle brand embracing diverse materials, technologies and sustainable manufacturing.
The Belvedere Chair reinterprets classic Viennese woven seating with contemporary materials, bringing a fresh perspective to a timeless silhouette. Image: Space Furniture Asia Hub
Among the highlights was the Belvedere Chair, designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba, which reinterprets classical furniture forms through contemporary materials and production techniques. The HiRay outdoor collection introduced a lighter, architectural approach to outdoor living with its welded-wire metal frames and cushions made from recycled PET bottles.
The HiRay outdoor collection combines lightweight welded-wire metal frames with soft cushions made from recycled PET bottles, bringing contemporary design and relaxed comfort to outdoor living. Image: Space Furniture Asia Hub
The showcase also featured the Super Tubby Sofa, designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba for Kartell. Defined by its generous proportions, rounded contours and plush upholstery, the modular seating system embraces a softer, more relaxed approach to contemporary living. Its oversized cushions and low-slung silhouette create an inviting, cocoon-like feel, while its sculptural form lends a playful character to the space. Designed for versatility, the modular elements can be arranged in different configurations, balancing everyday comfort with Kartell’s distinctive approach to expressive furniture design.
Image: Space Furniture Asia Hub
Sustainability was another focus, with Kartell’s ongoing Kartell Loves the Planet initiative demonstrating the brand’s commitment to exploring alternative materials and more responsible production processes. This includes innovations such as Componibili Bio, a reinterpretation of the iconic storage unit using bio-based materials derived from renewable sources.
Image: Space Furniture Asia Hub
Together, the collections offered a look at Kartell’s approach to contemporary living, where expressive forms, material experimentation and functionality come together to shape furniture for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Editor’s Pick: Bonheur du Jour Armchair
Beyond Roberto Palomba’s creations, Kartell’s wider collection offers plenty to admire. One piece that caught our eye is the Bonheur du Jour armchair by Philippe Starck. A study in contrasts, its tactile, bouclé-like upholstery is framed by a bold black outline that traces its generous curves. The contrasting trim accentuates its low-slung, sculptural silhouette, lending the rounded proportions a graphic, almost illustrated quality. Soft yet striking, it blurs the line between functional seating and statement design.
Discover more of Kartell’s iconic designs and contemporary furniture collections at Space Furniture Asia.
