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CONTENTS P10
Century Store
P42 Home by Century P56
Travels
P58
Ambassador
P63 Guest celebrities P88
Partner Stores
P90
Our events
P92
Catalog section
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ECONOMY AND FUTURE The future years of the highend decor market from the perspective of Julio Cesar Samorano Filho.
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CENTURY’S DIGITAL WORLD Get acquainted with Century’s digital news: a universe of new tools and technology!
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CORPORATIVE ENVIRONMENTS In a restaurant and in the head offices of one of the greatest construction companies in the Southern Brazilian axle: Century is corporative as well.
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MOODBOARD AND TRENDS Get to know Century’s fabric curatorship.
CENTURY MAGAZINE D I R E C T I O N A N D C U R ATO R S H I P N a t h a l i a S a m o ra n o GENERAL DIRECTION J u l i o C es a r S a m o ra n o F i l h o J O U R N A L I ST E D I TO R Vi n í c i u s L i m a • M T B 94 1 6 / p r P H OTO G R A P H E R J e f fe rs o n O h a ra
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CENTURY’S DESIGN DIFFERENTIALS The backstage of the Development and Creation department.
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HIGH-PERFORMANCE FABRICS Waterproofing directly from the factory and fabrics of pure technology.
DESIGN Vi c to r S o u za REVISION H a m i l to n M a r i a n o | 5
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor After the moment of excitement experienced by the high-end decor market during the effervescence period of this activity sector during the pandemic, what can we expect from the commercial scenario in the following years? BY JULIO CESAR SAMORANO FILHO
For many, the date of March 2020 will never be forgotten. The feelings of uncertainty and unsureness generated at the beginning of Covid-19’s pandemic were a source of much stress and concern, especially for businessmen. For those who worked with high-end decor, these feelings were quickly replaced by the excitement generated by the consumers, who broadly provided eighteen formidable months for the market of decor, design, architecture, and civil construction. During this period, we had some ruptures in the supply chain, which, one way or another, compromised many of our operations and, consequently, those of our partner stores. Even so, bringing the client to the store or the lack of products were barriers easy to overcome. “What now then?” people asked. “Will the sales stop?” It is natural wondering about the market and how the prices will be affected in the following years in our sector. Although the future is unpredictable, we have strong evidences to remain optimists.
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The Great Wave off Kanagawa, a famous woodblock printing of the Japanese master Hokusai
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What to expect from now on The initial boom experienced by the decor market was directly caused by people staying more at home. We gained space in the consumption of families that were not traveling or investing in many other forms of leisure. Their homes got a new status and uses, and regardless of how many people lived in them, comfort became a priority for most of us. Fortunately, the world is trying to return to a condition more similar to what was considered normal. The excitement experienced by the decor market is already behind us, but we have many reasons to believe that, at least in the next three years, we are still going to have many positive fruits to be reaped. The main and more technical reason is that, during the pandemic, many construction companies announced several real estate launches, whose building is expected to be finished in the next 2-3 years. The delivery of the real estate undertakings, especially the high-end undertakings, are fundamental vectors to warm up the decor market, a reality that we will be definitely be seeing in the following years. A message for the store owners: the moment of excitement is over, but we are entering in a very positive cycle that suggests stability. Do not be afraid of reinvesting in your own business, but remaining realist, using your own data as evidence to make decisions. Civil construction is an important player that drives our market. Those who take position in the high-income market will be sailing better in the following years. Another question people are always asking is regarding the high in prices. Are they going to get back to normal and stabilize? Personally, I do not think the prices will retroact. The market is actually pointing to a constant high of at least two years. However, we do not have any reason to believe we are in an inflationary spiral. This elevation is global. And we expect that this economical price and salary equation get balanced over time.
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What we are currently living is not a real inflation. It is inflationary pressure. Since the supply chain took a hard blow from the pandemic— for reasons that are already known—we have the false impression that the factories’ productive capacity was extinguished. For instance: the demand for cars did not increase to the point that the factories cannot make them; there is a lack of semiconductors, and we cannot make cars without them. Since there are still people wanting cars, the demand increase naturally raises the prices. There is still much idle capacity in the economy of several sectors. When the supply and raw material chain comes back to its full capacity, the prices will be balanced as well.
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To call home Get to know the first exclusive Century store in Brazil: an initiative directed by Grupo Damasc’s stores, which now integrates an operation exclusively dedicated to the Century line
As all other upholstered furniture brands focus on
Due to the great variety of Century products,
physical characteristics to describe their product to
the store was designed to have mobile environments,
the consumer (like density, size, color, and fabric type),
enabling the constant update of the loose furniture,
Century directs its language to the habits, lifestyles, and
presenting new products and releases in different
different uses of each product, offering a consultancy
seasons. The pieces present in the store are a curatorship
service to evaluate the sale spots to implant an expert
that allow the customers to know the main products
approach to the end consumer.
and how they behave in different solutions. “The
In Maringá, Panará, Grupo Damasc, Century’s
idea isn’t using every different possibility of Century’s
commercial partner, decided to take this consultancy
products. That’s impossible. Especially because most of
and curatorship services to the top, creating an
them are customizable. But, in the store, we focused on
operation exclusively dedicated to the Century line, a
key products that’d allow the customers to understand
store signed by the architect Isabella Martinello, who
what’s a foldable sofa, a Slim sofa, an EasyFit sofa,
faced the challenge of transforming the showroom into
and a Cozy Sofa… Based on their first contact with the
a real home experience. “We designed the store’s layout
product come the solutions we personally offer to each
to work as a real house, aligned with Century’s whole
client,” explains André Damasceno, Grupo Damasc’s
comfort proposal, with sophisticated elements that are
partner.
also the face of the brand,” explains the architect.
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Nathalia Samorano, Century’s creation director,
When the client enters the store, he gets in the
believes that an exclusive store has more potential to
middle of the main hall, where Century’s complement
offer to the consumers the consultancy service that
line—like desks, side tables, sideboards, and folding
the brand proposes: “The upholstered furniture is so
screens—create
that
important in the house and in people’s lives that it can’t
permeates the entire store. This hall takes him to
be reduced to a technical piece with color and density.
environments like the living room and the TV room, all
The sofa means resting after work. It’s a love nest. It’s
integrated to a welcoming and comfortable service
where the family gathers on weekends… That’s the
area, where specifiers and end consumers can
atmosphere that an exclusive Century store intends to
comfortably choose fabrics and finishes.
transmit.”
the
welcoming
atmosphere
In the back, Century’s fabric portfolio in the brand’s first exclusive store in Brazil. A store of Grupo Damasc
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In this picture, the showroom of the first 100%-Century store in Brazil, signed by the architect Isabella Martinello
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WHERE EVERYTHING HAPPENS In Century’s development and creation sector, many pillars form the base that originates our unique and authorial design: global trends, comfort, people, and how they live, all of that translated into a technology language that we invite you to know better right now
BY NATHALIA SAMORANO
Whenever we gather our team to begin the long journey of developing a new collection, we do not think only on the pieces’ design, but also in several other factors that are so or even more important in how the pieces relate to the people and to the environments in which they will be placed. Everything begins with inspiration trips. That is why, every year, we visit the circuit of the main furniture and decor fairs of the world: Maison & Objet, in Paris; Isaloni, in Milan; and High Point’s fair, in the USA. We gather all this universe of trends and translate it into the Century way, that is, we think on how they will be used, turning the human being into the protagonist, not the creation itself. That is why, in our collections, you will never find designor concept-centered pieces of furniture. Everything is connected to the function, ergonomics, and comfort. This reality is so present in our creation team that Century became a pioneer by creating and patenting an exclusive upholstered furniture line classification method based on comfort types: Slim®, EasyFit®, and Cozy®. Each one of them is directly linked to their use. This put us apart in a market where design fails to make many people see given products as perfect for them. At Century, we can proudly say that people see our products as integrated to their lives. They have that feeling of belonging, and can see us composing those rooms with which they dream in their houses, apartments, offices, field houses, etc.
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Our line is quite vast and diversified. It hard for a person not to identify himself with our products. On top of that, each one of them has an extensive capability of customization, with different modulations, fabrics, and finishes that take personalization to the top, something we rarely find in Brazil. Said personalization goes much beyond fabric color and texture. We build the sofa in independent parts if the client needs to take it by elevator. We finish the sofa without an arm if the client wants a more modern look. We add a chaise if he wishes to put the piece in a TV environment. And these are just a few examples. Adding this level of customization to a production line is a challenge we love in the factory
because,
despite
every
cataloged
process and embedded technology, Century’s products are essentially artisanal, and we do not want anything different from that. Our partner stores are amazed and excited with the variety of compositions we offer: there are over 250 fabrics in our swatch and over 150 types of finishes, in addition to the variety of products, which is something else. Every year, we release around 50 new products. A period filled with expectation and excitement is between September–October, when we present the newest releases at closed doors for a highly selected group of Century’s partner stores. These partners have access in first hand and exclusively to the newest line in the Release Preview event, which always takes place in São Paulo. It is only four months later that the new collection is made public in the Abimad fair for the rest of Brazil. Then, a new research, development, and creation cycle begins. It has been moving us for 23 years, setting us apart not only in Brazil, but in the whole world.
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Real images that depict the routine in a Century factory, where we change everything into comfort
We can say that our collections are a mix of Italian trends (focused on design as something remarkable and important) with the comfort appreciated by the American market, where we are gaining increasingly more presence. For many years, we studied the American products to understand how the most comfortable upholstered furniture were made, giving that special Century touch to add the Italianinspired design to comfort. In the quality assurance department, we seat, jump, and lay down on the sofa, actually using it for hours, and I can assure you: the sofa remains neat, ready to entertain whomever you welcome. | 21
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Like us, the digital came to change everything
Get to know in detail what Century prepared during the whole year to rock the high-end decor market with technology, practicality, and usability
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Digital Experience Choosing your Century product already was an exquisite journey, right? To expand even more the experience of stores and consumers in their search for their perfect Century product, the brand launches digital technologies and a new version of its website that are promising to revolutionize the high-end decor market of customizable products
The marketing department, with the support of the commercial, product, and intelligence departments, is the main responsible for attentively mapping and studying the consumption behaviors and patterns of Century’s products among the brand’s representatives of the whole world, generating rich information in data that has been orienting the evolution experienced by Century in the last few years. Here, we are going to highlight two pieces of data that gave origin to the greatest reform of the company’s technological platform. Firstly, Century realized that the consumer, either an architect/decorator professional or end consumer, has the strong tendency of choosing a product following the same configuration of the catalog, when there exists an infinity of customizable modulations and compositions. The second realization was that most of the sales happen seasonally, that is, in periods, not following a constancy based on the Century product’s quality. To overcome these two challenges, Century released a combo of news based on technology and innovation that will change the customer’s experience of searching for his perfect Century product.
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New website, new experiences Much more robust and functional, the new sales materials and Century’s website were
categorized,
privileging
the
Best
Sellers and the Promise Releases. For these brand favorites, Century developed the best 3D Models of the market, available in the SketchUp and 3ds Max platforms, so the
CENTURY LIKE YOU NEVER SEE BEFORE • Images with 360° visualization;
architects can exhibit Century’s products
• Augmented Reality as a dazzling and
in their projects with extremely high fidelity,
sales tool;
a feature that facilitate the work of these
• We added more product compositions and
specifier professionals and enhances the sales conversion rates. As for the end
variations that can be checked in the catalog
consumer, high resolution images will enable
and in the website;
him see the piece in 360°, with details of
• Century’s curatorship, with ideas to create your
texture, wrinkles, finishes, and everything else that reflects Century’s superior quality, all at
Century product;
reach through some clicks in the website’s
• Moodboards signed by the Century Studio and
new version.
invited partners;
With
total
focus
in
usability
and
experience, Century’s new website version was remodeled to become more useful to
• The best 3D Models of the market; • The first qualified support for questions and
its many audiences. The website’s layout will
customer service;
follow a path based on purchase arguments:
• Blog with valuable and inspiring contents;
I do not know what is the best model for me. I do not know what is the best composition.
• Comfort Guide and the Perfect
I do not know what is the best fabric. I do
Sofa tool;
not know how it is going to look like in my
• Century Select, a loyalty
environment. Once all these questions are
program made for you;
answered and left behind, the consumer also finds a series of environments signed by renowned architects that specify Century in their projects. At
the
end
experimentations
of and
this
journey
discoveries,
of the
consumer will be able to print a PDF file and take it to the store, which will guide him in the sales process.
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New sales materials. New interaction possibilities Before
several
possibilities
of
product
Usually, several consumers do not know
composition, modulations, finishes, an extensive
what to do, wondering, “How will this armchair
collection of fabrics, and so many customization
look like with a rotating base?” “How will this
possibilities, many consumers feel lost. To make
sofa look like with wooden legs?” “What if I use
this process easier, all upholstered furniture
an injectable aluminum base? Will it look good?”
models included in the Best Seller and Promise
Calm down. We have a solution for that too.
Release lines are presented in the catalog and
Century prepared a special curatorship with
in the website with five possible variations.
five fabric suggestions for each upholstered
Additionally, what we call main composition
furniture model presented, as well as the digital
gained the augmented reality technology,
application of several finish lines, all to provide
so you can virtually place the product in your
support to the commercial teams spread
environment and see in detail all finishes right
throughout Brazil and the world, which will have
on your space. All presented variations will
much more arguments and tools to engage
count with an even more detailed and didactic
the consumer and make him feel as part of
datasheet.
Century’s universe.
Example of the new exhibition format of the product in the catalog, with 26 |
different compositions to inspire users and decorators
Check the products with augmented reality in the catalog section of this material
In the picture above, you can see one of the hottest news of Century’s digital initiatives: Augmented Reality. Through this technology, you can design virtual objects—Century products—in a real-world environment to offer more
The perfect sofa for you
information, expand the borders of interactivity, and provide to the user a detailed visualization of the product from several angles. Guided by a smartphone’s or tablet’s camera and monitor, the consumer can have a better notion of how the pieces fit in a room. That is amazing!
In Century’s new website, you also find the “Perfect Sofa” tool, a smart platform that maps the customer’s profile based on four questions about the environment, use, age, pets, and other factors that identify how the sofa will be mostly employed. The app gives five suggestions best aligned with the profile. Amazing, right?
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More than Century’s partner:
Century Select We can say we are closer. And we want to be even more.
After the success of the “Century is made of people” campaign, where we revealed key characters in each stage of the factory’s manufacture process—from the pieces’ design to the employees that give shape to the creations—we decided to expand even further the influence of partner stores, specifiers, and Century’s fans in the development of strategies, decision making, and even in the design of new products. We present here an initiative that will get us even closer and make us more confident. Century Select is a loyalty program that brings exclusive benefits to its members. For Century’s representatives in Brazil and across the world, the benefits are:
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Valuable Contents A selection of exclusive contents to make sure you are always updated, ready to dazzle your customer and sell more!
Early Access Gain early and/or exclusive access to physical and digital sales materials and get important update notifications.
Your opinion changes everything Give your opinion in important decisions about our product lines and help us satisfy and dazzle our clients more and more.
Events Follow the news and gain access to the backstage of Century’s in person and/or digital events.
Century’s Curatorship Have access to trendy fabric and finish curatorships and find out how to compose our products with them.
To request your registration in Century Select, access the QR Code, provide the registration information, and wait. Your registration will be evaluated by Century’s council of directors.
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The impact of Century’s comfort in corporative environments
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The extensive line of Century’s products, finishes, and fabrics allows architects and designers to develop entirely personalized solutions to their
projects,
including
non-residential
ones.
Check below a selection of pictures taken by the photographer Jefferson Ohara at Embraed Empreendimentos’
social
center
and
at
the
Restaurant Dominique France, corporative spaces in which Century’s presence is make known.
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In this page and the next one, details of the Embraed Empreendimentos’ social center, where Century is present in every environment. | 35
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In this picture, Century’s upholstered furniture give life and boost to the theme restaurant Dominique France. Project by Camila Farias
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Avant Garde To get even closer to our partner stores, Century’s creation team developed Century’s Curatorship, an exclusive guide, made for our store-owner friends, that gathers all our inspiration sources and seasonal trends with practical tips of how to give a boost to your showroom, in line with the greatest design trends of the world BY NATHALIA SAMORANO
Research
most
tones. To get involved with the atmosphere
creation
of this season, we prepared a moodboard
processes, whether we are talking about
with fabrics, marble finishes, carbon steel
new technologies or about design and
paintings, leather textures, and everything
behavior trends. For quite a while, this
else that would remind those tones and
universe has been part of our DNA… Why
mood. Presenting it to our store-owner
not put it out there and share it with our
friends, using products 100% Century, has
partners was a service of public utility?
been a very exciting challenge, because
In response to that demand, Century’s
the stores change with little interventions,
Curatorship was created, a rich material
getting aligned with the clients’ thoughts
especially designed for you, store owners,
and wishes for that moment.
important
was
pillar
of
always
the
Century’s
to align your store with the greatest trends of the season. In addition to our regular visitations to the most important world fairs, an essential tool to our research process is the WGSN, the greatest and most respected trend prevision platform of the world. Equipped with ideas coming from all these fonts, we started launching two curatorships per year, focused on Fall/Winter and Spring/ Summer, with fabrics, textures, and shapes selected from our vast product line. One of the trends we discovered last winter was the widespread use of earthy
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Our intention never was of persuading end users to change their furniture every season (although, in Europe, where the season transition is more evident, people actually have the habit of changing at least their cushions, shawls, and blankets according to the season). Our main intention was to offer them tools to increase the business made with partner stores in Brazil and
abroad.
Undoubtedly,
a
dynamic
showroom, constantly updated and in line with the global trends, generates more and better businesses.
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All of it is exclusively shared with the store
spread around the world are the “fluffy” shapes
owners registered in Century Select, Century’s
especially applied in the upholstered furniture
advantage club, already mentioned in another
line. These shapes were the star of Milan’s Isaloni,
article of this issue.
marked by puffed, curved, organic, and very
And since we are talking about trends, let us
comfortable lines, a natural post-pandemic
talk about Spring/Summer 2022: a year and a
movement, when people started seeing their
season loaded with a lot of hope and a global
homes as a haven, something that takes care
feeling of renewal and uplifting. That is why this
of you, well-being and safety temples. In this
season will be marked by a soothing tone of
emerging trend, all of these feelings were
blue and yellow, 2021’s color, a combination that
translated into fluffy- and generous-shaped
suggests a new cycle, the renewal of a journey.
upholstered furniture, with fabrics of visible
Another trend with the potential of getting
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threads, that is really welcoming and cozy.
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For any environment… Century Dive now in two real apartments, where Century’s furniture is present in every environment
In this environment: Ancona sofa, San Cristobal shelves, Pisac tables, Amélia chairs and stools, and Cantabya puff
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Century’s support and complement line, initially developed to compose its upholstered furniture exclusive line with harmony, gain more expression and is currently found in renowned architecture projects and applied in the most varied forms. Their pure lines and atemporal materials make of them wild cards that can be used in several contexts, as the same piece gains different uses. Check below three projects developed by the architect Ninha Chiozzini for Construtora Futuro, in which Century’s upholstered furniture and complement lines are present in every environment.
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In this page and in the next one: Round chairs, Amélia stools, Arttis bed, and Sucre puff
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Present in this environment: Alladro sofa with puffs, Orly armchair, and Pisac table
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In this picture: Messina armchair with puff, Maui bed, Buenos Aires puff, Sakai sideboards, and Sakai side table
Alladro sofa with puffs, Orly armchair, and Pisac table
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The Sakai sideboard got a new function here, being used as this couple’s closet dressing table. The armchair is a Guadalajara
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Your real-life-proof Century Modern life demands practicality! Satisfying this demand, so present in our clients’ homes, we developed a waterproofing upholstered furniture service directly from the factory and a line of high-performance technological fabrics to make their routine simpler and easier
The sofa is naturally one of the most versatile pieces of the house. It is the stage of nice talks, where we spend time with friends and family, and the spot to take a nap and eat tasty snacks.
SHIELD
Therefore, this piece of furniture is subject to small daily mishaps, which should not be a reason for concern. That is why Century developed Century Shield, a waterproofing process directly from the factory that will bring safety and practicality to your routine. Century Shield is a waterproofing process specifically developed for each type of fabric, with quality assurance and standard approved by Century. This system prevents the fabric’s surface from
absorbing
tiny
particles,
facilitating
its
cleaning and protecting the sofa. If you hire the waterproofing service directly from Century, we double the factory warranty offered for the fabric. Amazing, right? It is worth mentioning that waterproofing does
not
protect
against
scratches,
surface abrasion, and does not make the upholstered furniture resistant against corrosive liquids. That is why a highperformance fabric line developed with cutting-edge technology was added to our portfolio. Check it below:
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Get to know our high-performance fabric line PET FRIENDLY Century’s pet friendly line is a success. These fabrics are made with special, extremely tight weaving, whose touch repels cats and dogs. That is right, since it adherence is practically zero, the pets do not find it enjoyable to scratch, preserving your furniture’s integrity. And the best of all is that, for us, humans, the sensation of touching it is very comfortable. LIQUID REPELLENT Ideal for sofas and armchairs in gourmet areas or close to moist areas, the liquidrepellent fabric, as the name says, has a very low liquid absorption index. Picture the •
•
ordinary scene of a kid spilling soda on the sofa. Just use a paper towel to dry it. The sofa SA N FE
P
C TI
O
RO T E will remain unharmed.
EASY CLEAN The fabrics of the easy-clean line are extremely resistant; therefore, other chemicals can be used to clean it, like detergents and bleach, without damaging the fabric. If your upholstered furniture is made with a fabric of this line, it will be much easier to remove sauce and wine stains and other pigments.
•
IO E PR OT EC T
N
SAFE PROTECTION A high-performance finish integrated with anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal technology, promoting the inactivation of viruses and avoiding the spreading of bacterial odors, like fungi, mites, and other micro-organisms.
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••
••
SSAA NN FFEE OO PPRROOTTEECCTTI I
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Traveling changes everything Who never chose a touristic destination for its architecture and comfort? These are the protagonists of our best moments of leisure. For that reason, we selected wonderful hotels, where comfort is present in every detail BY NATHALIA SAMORANO
At the coffee vale, amid nature, in Rio de Janeiro countryside, Fazenda União has a magnificent 1836 mansion in perfect state of conservation. What
Fazenda União
amazes me the most in this kind of tourism is that it takes you to a distant, much richer time, with stories, experiences, and achievements from a past that are still present. In addition to the typical colonial architecture, the exuberant landscape, and haute cuisine, Fazenda União is the perfect place to get reinvigorated. +fazendauniao.com.br
Casa Turquesa Casa Turquesa is a boutique hotel with only nine suites and a customized service provided directly by its owner, Tetê Etrusco. Did you already notice that I am a fan of Colonial Brazil? Not coincidently, this hotel was designed in a remodeled building of Paraty’s Historic Center, dated from the 18th century, next to the harbor dock, at Colonial Paraty’s commercial hub. The restoration design was signed by the architect Renato Tavolaro, responsible for the renovation of over forty buildings of the city. The house and the service are full of pampering and details, like the wicker baskets at the hotel’s entrance, where you leave your shoes and enter with customized flip-flops. All the food served there is made with local organic ingredients and, when you leave, you get a recipe book of the house specialties. A luxury! +casaturquesa.com.br 56 |
Carmel
Taíba
is
a
luxury resort located right in the peninsula of Taíba Beach, in São Gonçalo do Amarante, 75 km (46
Carmel Taíba
mi) from Fortaleza. This strategic location makes it look like the resort was
built on water, because you can see the sea from almost every angle. Carmel Taíba is that charming because the architecture was signed by Marcelo Franco, and Alex Hanazaki’s landscape integrates with nature as if there was no human intervention. The incredibly stylish suites, abundant in wood and Northeastern pop art, add for this mood of total connection with our roots and nature. +carmelhoteis. com.br/carmeltaiba
Palácio Tangará, although built with neoclassic lines, is a contemporary building. Its charm, however, lays on its unlikely location: right in the middle of the Burle Marx Park, surrounded by thick nature that makes of this hotel an elegant haven in one of the busiest Latin American urban centers. It is hard to believe that the hotel is located just next to São Paulo’s Marginal Pinheiros. When we cross the entryway, we are overwhelmed by the silence and tranquility, a true urban oasis, worthy of
Palácio Tangará
the title awarded by the expert media of the best Brazilian hotel. +experienciaspalaciotangara. com.br
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CENTURY AMBASSADOR
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picture by Rafael Renzo
Lucila Zahran Turqueto The journalist and advertiser Lucila Zahran Turqueto is behind the phenomenon called Casa Valentina, a blog created by her in 2008. It became the most influent design and decor blog of Latin America. Everything began when she was engaged. She started researching for architecture contents to get templates and ideas for her new house. Back then, she realized that there were not many Brazilian decor websites. Even the specialized magazines did not have well-established digital channels. They had only websites for those who wanted to become assistants. After creating her own collection with visual references, fruit of research in blogs and websites from all around the world, she decided to start her on blog, and she could not image how far it would get. Lucila was on the cover of the magazine she used to read the most when she was decorating her home, visited several country capitals to give lectures on content development for architects and decorators, and has partnerships with great decor brands of the market. Century is delighted to have such an esteemed partner. In this interview, Lucila talks about some of the behavior standards she had seen over her journey with Casa de Valentina, and first-handedly reveals how Century entered in her life through a restoration project of a family farm where Century is the protagonist in its living and leisure spaces.
[C] Lucila, as one of the pioneers of the digital universe
used on the research. In other words, he feels represented,
of decor, what were you able to identify in the behavioral
and it strengthens his believes, because all we search for
standard of people regarding their homes in the last few
(whether nice or not) have an alternative and reference in
years?
the Internet. People started consuming many superficial contents and, in this case, the curatorship can make a lot
[LT] All markets were deeply impacted by the creation of
of difference.
social networks. Focusing on the market of architecture and decor, I think that the main change was the fact
[C] How’s your curatorship for Casa de Valentina? The
that people started to feel more and more sure and
blog reflects your personal style?
confidant to make decisions for their own house, because now we’ve more research tools and infinite inspiration
[LT] Although I’ve a personal style, at Casa de Valentina,
tools. Back then, we’d to read specialized magazines and
I use a macro criterion: The architect that signed a given
we thought that what we saw there was beautiful. The
project did it with knowledge, coherently, and densely?
beauty it offered was already done and was extremely
Based on this criterion, I publish works of the most
edited. Now, the trend research is more based on likes.
diversified lines that touch the contemporary, classic, modern, minimalist, brutal, and many other schools and
[C] Do you see it as a step forward or backward?
styles present in architecture and decor. Actually, I go beyond and make a quite conscious effort to avoid
[LT] In general, people knowing what they want for
publishing similar aesthetics, because some interior
themselves is something good. After all, everything we call
solutions, although cool or requested by the consumers,
home is very intimate, particular… On the other hand, the
just repeat themselves in many projects. We’re living in
devaluation of curatorship has negative consequences,
a great period of brick walls, after the high of wood-
because, we’ve to admit, not everything on the net is nice.
covered walls… That’s why I make this effort of always
When someone types something in the search engines,
proposing other aesthetics in the projects presented in
he gets thousands of solutions based on the keywords
the channel. | 59
[C] And what’s your style, after all?
modern context. Without Century’s sofas, the house would become a caricature, as if it was an ancient
[LT] I’m a contemporary in form and classic in
house in 2021, and that was never my intention.
accessories and furniture. I love mixing those up. In the last project I accompanied for my family, this
[C] Did you mention sofa as a comfort element in
mixture is quite evident. It’s an old orange farm that
architecture. What’s comfort to you?
belongs to my husband’s family, located one hour
60 |
away from São Paulo, where we transformed the
[LT] To me, comfort is when we search for that feeling
summer house into two huge, rustic, and tall silos. I
of well-being, and a sofa is usually present in a
made the decision of not mischaracterize the space,
moment like this. The family sits on it, lights a fire,
which still looks like a silo. But it needed to add
drinks some wine, and watches TV… And speaking
comfort for the family living. The classic aesthetic
more specifically about me, I was never a fan of the
came from the many family pieces of furniture and
kitchen. I was never a fan of cooking. But I’m great
other bought in auctions. However, the all upholstered
with snacks. I spend hours planning what and how I’ll
pieces of furniture are new for two reasons: because
be serving different snacks. And the best place to eat
they’re the main comfort element of a house and to
a snack is on the sofa. I have no doubt that the most
add lightness and contemporaneity to the decor. All
important pieces of furniture in my house are my sofa
sofas of this project are Century’s. When you enter
and my coffee table, on which I put the snacks. After
the house, you’re automatically impacted by the
all, that’s the comfort moment for which I wait the
feeling that the old furniture is intentionally there in a
most on the week.
FOTOS DA FAZENDA
| 61
62 |
Great architecture and decor names that perspire Century’s essence on their art
INVITES
| 63
Ninha Chiozzini
Once she left her internship, Ninha Chiozzini published in the Arquitetura & Construção magazine what was effectively her first authorial piece: a house in Marília, in São Paulo’s countryside. It was a memorable beginning, foretelling what a great professional she would become. Now, she is acclaimed by the critic, media, and by everyone who has the privilege of living in a space signed by her. In this exclusive interview for Century, Ninha talks about the connection of houses with people, about comfort, and about how Century’s customizable line fits the different architecture and interior proposals developed by her office.
64 | by Jefferson Ohara picture
[C] When did Century enter your life
every way, in design, finish, and in
Century takes it quite seriously,
and those of your clients?
the extensive line of products, all
because it gives us the opportunity
customizable. Century is part of my
of customizing not only on fabrics,
[NC] I know Century for a while now,
routine as an architect, because I
but in every detail, like leg finishes—
but my link with the brand became
use the fabric swatch a lot to make
in wood, matte lacquer, metallic,
stronger when I moved to my new
the moodboards that I show to my
shiny…
house and designed my new head
clients. Century’s fabric selection is
color… The possibilities are so many
office. For these two environments,
very nice and allows me to create
that it becomes an exciting task.
I was searching for custom-made
countless
You feel like the co-author of these
upholstered
could
totally different characteristics to
satisfy several personal criteria. For
the same piece, according to my
my living room, I wanted a cover
clients’ distinct personalities. And
[C] In addition to the upholstered
sofa that was deeper than usual,
people value it a lot because, alone
furniture line, many of Century’s
but that wasn’t a TV sofa, because
or as a family, people are more
complement line pieces of furniture
it wasn’t a TV room. I wanted robust,
connected to their homes and want
are present in your designs, right?
heavy,
cushions,
them to reflect their lifestyle, their
without losing comfort. They came
way of being, their style, how they
[NC] Yes. Century has many pieces
to me with a proposal that’d match
see
Understanding
that are like wild cards and can be
exactly what I wanted, in size, color,
people and translating it into homes
used as coffee tables, side tables,
fabric, density, texture… Since then,
has been the greatest challenge for
sideboards, and folding screens,
we became great partners.
current architects.
which can be used in many ways.
and
furniture
that
imposing
their
compositions,
routine.
to
give
In
size,
modulations,
line
creations.
I’ve already used a Century side [C] In this long partnership, do you
[C] In your opinion, as a high-end
table as a study table, as a makeup
think Century evolved somehow?
expert architect, customization is
table, and as a nightstand. It’s very
important for this segment?
hard to design a piece with such
[NC] A lot! The company is quite
versatility, being used in the house
dynamic and I think it became
[NC]
more professional and improved in
It’s essential. And I can see that
It’s
more
than
important.
differently. I think that’s wonderful in Century’s line.
| 65
picture by Rafael Renzo
66 |
David Bastos The Bahian David Bastos was born in a family of doctors. However, he chose to trail his own path, becoming one of the most acclaimed names of the Brazilian architecture. Before he was able to share the beauties of his creations with the world, he brought the abandoned region of Salvador’s docks back to life as an architect. Mixing the new and the old, and betting on the effect of some materials, his characteristic touch prioritize the use of the spaces, because, in his own words, they were made “to be used, not to be shown to our visitors.” Author of over 1,000 residential and corporative works, he currently has offices in Salvador (BA) and São Paulo (SP), where he counts with a team of young and experienced professionals that offers innovation in a unique style of architecture. His projects also reached the African coast, Switzerland, Portugal, United States, and Peru. David’s greater characteristic are his beautiful beach houses, loose and spread throughout the terrains and connecting environments through walkways that may or may not have some cover. The use of wood and basic materials transforms his works and give them an atemporal look. Combining faux cement, wood, rocks, and straw, they are quite impressive.
[C] David, you’ve a quite erudite
constant contact with people. From
are—if
repertoire
from
your perspective, what changed in
joyful, happy, or depressed. The
contemporary to classic references.
how people see their houses over the
environment can improve the mood
How’d you define your work’s profile
years?
of many!
[DB] We all love well-being and
[C] With that in mind, how or what
[DB] My work is freedom. The client
comfort. At the beginning of my
David Bastos does in his first moments
has to feel embraced, comfortable.
career, I designed low-income real
of introspection? What’s your main
It must have quality, proportion, and
estates and I saw people searching
activity in moments of leisure or what
visual comfort. Style isn’t important.
the best for their homes. Until our
do you like to do when no one is
The client chooses the style. I deliver
days, people are searching for that
around?
according
my
and
sensation of living well. Happiness
references.
I
comfortable
was always there. That’s the most
[DB] I love traveling, admiring the
valued impression. The future home’s
landscape, works of art, behaviors,
priority is going to be a professional
the cities and their feelings. I loved
[C] Who really are your greatest
space (where people can work from
Laos. I don’t want to come back to
inspiration sources?
home). As possible, the house is going
keep that dazzling feeling I had. It’s
to be the life hub for many.
in my memory. I like music a lot and
that
goes
they
are
more
reserved,
or essence?
experiences prefer
spaces with a lot of natural light.
[DB] I search my inspiration on how
doing nothing.
people behave, on how they live, on
[C] Do you believe our space affects
art photos, on what was designed
how we feel and behave? How our
[C] This issue’s theme is COMFORT.
in the past, on fashion; actually,
house affects us and how can we be
What’s comfort for David Bastos?
on everything that happened or is
favored by it?
[DB]
happening in the world. [C]
Your
career
encourages
the
Comfort
is
well-being,
[DB] The environment affects people
happiness. The environment and the
directly and also reflect who they
space can provide it: HAPPINESS!
| 67
Léo Shehtman Architect and designer, Léo Shehtman entered the hall of the main names of Brazilian architecture due to his work based on contemporaneity and vanguard. For him, design and architecture go hand in hand, each one in its due proportion. In his projects, we usually find pieces of furniture signed by himself. In over forty years of profession, he has in his portfolio the design of sofas, tables, lamps, and chairs, in addition to his architecture works: loaded with elegance and strong visual appeal.
picture by Glauber Bassi
68 |
[C] At Century, we love authorial works, and your
staff entered in it. Nowadays, Brazil is living a
projects have a quite characteristic originality.
moment that Europe experienced many years
What are your main inspiration sources?
ago: the appreciation of manpower and lack of domestic work. Consequently, the spaces became
[LS] My main inspiration source is good mood. To
multifunctional. People are cooking for their own
me, a project, whether of a house or a corporative
guests and the interaction in social environments
work, has to emanate positive energy. Obviously,
became the best moment of gathering friends
everything I see becomes an inspiration source,
and family. I value this changes a lot, because
especially in travels, when our eyes are more
I see them as progress. Nowadays, houses are
curious and we’re attentive to our surroundings.
better used and have less idle rooms, which is a very positive point from my perspective.
[C] All your clients are connected with this vibe? [C] Your creations are very colorful. What’s your [LS] Indirectly, I think the people that look for me
opinion about them?
to sign their projects are people that identify themselves with my language. However, my work
[LS] I love colors because they bring a unique
starts when I try to understand my client, because
atmosphere for the environments. I noticed that,
the most important thing in a work is understanding
in this moment we’re living, when everyone’s
the lifestyle of those who’re going to live in it. I do
spending a lot of time inside their homes, usually
have a language, but it’s totally conditioned to
sad, concerned, and apprehensive, the colors are
the client’s lifestyle. That’s why my projects are so
back in fashion because they represent life, light,
different from one another.
and joy. To back it up, in the last Milan fair, we saw the introduction of colors to stir people’s emotions.
[C] In 2021, you made forty years of career. What
The colors emerged in this moment as a necessity,
are the main differences you noticed in how people
a tool to enable us, architects, share feelings
live in their homes in the last few years?
through our work.
[LS] When I started working, a house’s social
[C] What’s comfort for Léo Shehtman? How’d you
spaces were reserved for welcoming people.
define comfort?
Usually, the family didn’t use them. In other words, the houses had rooms for exhibition. The
[LS] Comfort’s being able to link practicality,
kitchens were closed, because only the house’s
design, and technology.
| 69
Camila Klein
70 | by Bruno Pavão picture
Camila Klein, from Rio Grande do Sul, graduated in architecture in her home state and had the privilege of starting her career in grand style. Her first job was in a position in the team of the renowned architect and urbanist Ruy Ohtake. After this skyrocketing beginning, Camila rapidly gained a place next to the great names of national architecture, with projects that reflected customized, exclusive, and dynamic service—which she insists on personally supervise. Living in São Paulo for over ten years, she coordinates a team of excellent professionals and is constantly searching for new challenges. In parallel to the office, the architect also gives lectures in Brazil under the theme #CompatilhandoExperiências (#SharingExperiences) and with her digital course “Aprenda a Gerenciar o seu Escritório” (Learn How to Manage Your Office), in addition to the reality show “Lado C” (C Side)—all oriented to the architecture segment, based on all her management experience and know-how. In this interview exclusively given to Century, we invited the architect Camila Klein to talk about the personal attributes that characterize her work.
[C] Tell us, how an inhabitant of Rio Grande do Sul
[CK] I think this more classic side of mine comes from
became a pupil of the master Ruy Ohtake?
my travels abroad. I was always fascinated with museums and castles, so I added them to my style,
[CK] Since my third semester in the university, when I
adapting it to our reality. Not only me, but people
attended to one of Ruy’s lectures, I was determined
in general are resorting to their memories, bringing
to work with him. Living in Rio Grande do Sul didn’t
their roots to their living spaces. Family accessories
make this dream easier. However, a friend helped
find their place in environments with ultra-modern
me get an interview after my graduation and, in
TVs, automatized houses also have Persian rugs
the next week, I was already working in his office.
that belong the family for years. This return to the
I learned a lot in these two years and enriched my
essence is something people have been valuing a
résumé and my life. Since I always was quite agile
lot, and I just love it.
and accurate in my designs, I became an important asset of the office.
[C] What can’t miss in your projects?
[C] What was the best thing you got from this
[CK] Light! I like exploring light in my projects in a
experience?
high-tech fashion. It’s the counterpoint I need to give modernity to the spaces and create scenarios
[CK] I’ve learned a lot with Ruy Ohtake. I’ve learned
that stir wish and amazement. I like to use especially
to follow the standardization rules for drawings. After
the flexibility of woodwork to give volume and
all, he’s thoroughly attached to a drawing standard
shape to my “light-tech” projects, with depth on the
we call “clean drawing,” without line overlapping in
ceiling and walls.
the software we use to digitize the creations that Ruy made until now on paper. He’s a real artist. To
[C] Outside the office, who’s Camila Klein in the
these days, I remember him in the glass room. We
day-to-day?
could see him all the time, drawing on his desk. He spoke little on the phone and remained extremely
[CK] I’m one of the rare people that still read the
focused. When his drawings came to the team, we’d
world news in weekly magazines. I developed my
digitize them and transfer them to a computer with
own method of speed-reading magazines from
the utmost fidelity, following his lines and curves.
each segment: fashion, economics, decor… Not only
This experience thought me how to excel in drawing.
physical magazines. My schedule is also on paper, because I’ve a quite good photographic memory.
[C] Despite the fact you began your career with
So, when I put something on paper, I remember the
one of the great names of the Brazilian modern
appointment even if I’m not seeing the schedule.
architecture, we notice some hints of classic
My schedule isn’t daily. I do a weekly schedule,
aesthetic in your work. Do you think that it’s an
because I like to plan my entire week.
inheritance of the Gaucho colonies?
| 71
Juliana Meda
The talented architect Juliana Meda is from Londrina, Paraná, but her projects have spread throughout the country. Her admittedly contemporary style already gave shape to over 400 works signed by her. Fascinated with nature, green is one of the essential elements of her projects, because, in her words, “the feeling of coziness is organic and embraces you.” In this interview, given to Century directly from the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, where she was spending her vacations, Juliana talks about her connection with nature, of rescuing essential comfort, and how Century adopts her ideas of well-being.
72 |
picture by R.R. Rufino
[C] What do you value the most while designing
full of stuff anymore. Likewise, the opportunities
your projects?
of being in touch with nature are becoming increasingly rarer. Therefore, if we want to bring
[JM] My main reference is nature. My projects
it home, that’s natural.
will always remind you of the outside, because it’s part of my essence. In my routine, I’m with
[C] In this world of constant changes, what’s
my feet on the ground. I’ve to step on the
comfort to you?
grass. I can’t draw if I’m not connected with nature. That’s why my architecture style has
[JM] Comfort is living well, regardless of where
this tendency towards lightness, giving that
you are. It’s freedom to enjoy where you are,
sensation of vacation, peace, and tranquility…
as you wish. Comfort represents Century’s work
Structurally, it takes the form of glass houses, to
very well regarding design, because it hugs and
let what’s outside get inside.
embraces you, without losing the beauty of shape.
[C] It’s appropriate for this moment in which we’re living, right?
[C] How Century contributes to your mission of bringing comfort to people?
[JM] Definitely! In a higher or lower level, everyone needs this connection. At the same
[JM] Each client has an organic line of seating.
time, I’m aware that my projects have three
Some clients fit better in upholstered furniture
factors that dictate how a work is going to be:
with taller seats and others with deeper backs…
my personal baggage; what the client wants;
And Century has all this diversity. I can specify
and, in the last few years, we’ve been seeing the
exactly what’s perfect for that individual of that
intervention of a third factor: the media. We’re
family. This issue of ergonomics is so personal
all influenced by the information we consume
that I insist on bringing my clients to the
and, somehow, it has been changing how we
store and ask them to seat down, try several
live. Our live is more fast-paced, doing a lot of
armchairs and sofas to decide with him what’s
things at the same time. Consequently, spaces
comfort and what makes sense to him. Century
that used to be full and opulent were cleaned
always had that in its DNA and the brand has
and became minimalists. This is a natural
becoming even stronger in the last few years,
movement, because people simply don’t have
without mentioning that the design of the
the time and resources to take care of a house
pieces is light and atemporal, built to last.
| 73
Tania Bidóia and Bel Guerreiro
[C]
As
an
architect,
what’s
your
that brought me closer to the brand,
professional opinion about to where
to this company of renown abroad.
people have been channeling their
In this event, I found out about the
search for comfort?
brand’s
incredible
potential,
with
fashionable, well-designed furniture, That question is quite interesting
in harmony with the best releases
because it helps us understand very
found in the world fairs. On top of that,
recent behavioral standards. Back
we’ve the product’s quality, with lines
then, people used to see comfort as
well made, impeccable metalwork,
a temporal investment—a planned
and other details that, for me, make
trip, a weekend in a resort—and,
all the difference. Because comfort
sometimes, their own homes stayed
isn’t only physical; it’s also seeing,
in
touching, smelling, memories…
the
background.
Now,
people
understand that their homes are a
The architect Bel Guerreiro has a delightful classic-contemporary style that gives origin to a neoclassic architecture with contemporary hints that add in comfort and functionality. She graduated in Interior Lighting and Design by IPOG and in Built Space Composition and Technology by the State University of Londrina. Nowadays, her team is composed of the architect professionals Stefany Kimura and the interior designer Mariana Buselatto. They work in residential and corporative projects and in big real estate undertakings, like in this project co-signed by the businesswoman Tania Bidóia. pictures by Jefferson Ohara
haven after a stressful routine, it’s their
[C]
We
can
chance of finding leisure and comfort.
multiplicity
see
in
a
your
quite works,
varied from
minimalism to classic-contemporary. [C] Which model would you like to
Century helps you experiment with
highlight from Century’s product line?
these fields?
A model that, in my opinion, was built
It does! Sometimes, I can use the
to last is Andros. I love using it in my
same
projects because that curved shape
environments,
invites companionship, contact, and
the texture or color. Additionally,
good talks. It’s very nice to sit on
Century’s customizable line is quite
it when we’re entertaining, and it’s
extensive. Not only the upholstered
extremely comfortable for living and
furniture line, but all support pieces
TV rooms. It gives us that feeling
of furniture. They are like chameleons.
of round table, of eye-to-eye. This
They
model is going to be a classic, if it isn’t
respecting and prioritizing the taste
already.
of those who’ll use them. The pieces
piece
fit
in
totally
just
different
by
different changing
personalities,
of furniture are robust. You don’t get [C] When did you discover Century?
that sensation of fragility. At the same time, though, they are light and
Actually, it was one of Century’s events
74 |
delicate. It’s amazing!
| 75
Marcelo Camargo [C] Your résumé is so big and you work
protection.
in so many areas. Do you’ve time for your own architectural projects?
[C] In your opinion, can design and comfort coexist?
[laughter] That’s me! In addition to the architecture work, I also do scenography
Century is an example of a brand that
works through Cenarte, a company that
managed to combine these two fields:
works in this field. These are two things I
comfort and design. It has good-
love and are part of who I am. So, all of
quality furniture that doesn’t wear
He started his education journey studying
that happens very naturally in my day-
out so easily, and whose design is its
Architecture and Urbanism by Unimep
to-day life. Another project I’ve been
differential, combined with comfort.
(Methodist University of Piracicaba). Then,
developing in partnership with Isadora
Especially now, when the Internet made
he did the courses of Specialization in
Ferreira is the Desconstruindo Podcast,
architecture
Bioclimatic Architecture, Gaudí, and
a channel we created to talk about all
become so reproducible and similar, I,
History of Architecture by UPC (Polytechnic
areas in which architecture and design
as an architect, am always searching
University of Catalonia, Barcelona).
affect people’s lives. We’ve talked about
for the differential, the unexpected.
He added more to his educational
the most varied themes in the podcast.
And, with Century, I can do something
background by doing a specialization
We’ve talked about how architecture is
different by customizing the pieces.
in Scenography and Costumes by the
important in travel relations, how the
University Center Belas Artes, São Paulo,
BBB house affects how low-income
[C] In what type of proposal Century fits
and the courses of Light Design and Set
people see architecture. We’ve talked
in your projects?
Design by the NYU (New York University,
about
United States). When he founded the
personal motivation, art, and many
I’m not searching for conventions of
architecture office that has his name, he
other
the type “this is home furniture and
took part in some of the most important
perspective.
photography, subjects
from
and
interior
solutions
scenography, architecture’s
this is office furniture.” In commercial, corporative, or residential works, I use
architecture and design exhibitions of the country, like Village Arte Decor, CasaCor
[C] I’ll be taking this opportunity to ask
what makes more sense for that client
Ribeirão Preto, and Campinas Decor.
you: How architecture affects on how
and that proposal. What I want to say
we live comfort in the environments?
is that I can use Century’s furniture in
pictures by Samuel Nadai
any project, even in corporative ones, To me, comfort is protection. Not a
where comfort can be translated into
four-wall protection, but something
productivity
of synesthesia, of feeling welcomed in
doesn’t like to feel well, right?
and
profitability.
Who
your own home. Comfort is having a pleasant space in your house, where
[C] Can you mention an example in
you can read at ease, have a drink,
which you think you didn’t follow the
entertain someone you like, talk. It isn’t
convention in a project?
just an aesthetic space, but something useful, that provides you coziness and
76 |
The first one that comes to my mind
is the project for the Dei Mobili store, at Village Arte Decor, an external environment designed with containers in which I used high-end furniture, with colors and noble textures. The Century product I chose to use in this project was velvet, a noble fabric that intentionally stand out with the informal proposal of that container architecture. It was incredible!
| 77
Maria Fernanda Gevaerd [C] We’re fascinated with how you
[C] And what’s your favorite piece from
discover new uses for the entire Century
our line?
line, in ways that even we didn’t imagine. Tell us a little about your relationship
So many I won’t even try to mention
with the brand.
only one. However, you have a fabric that I can’t live without: the pet-friendly
I obviously entered Century’s universe
line. I have it in my home because I love
through its sofas. But, in the last three
dogs, and this fabric totally changed
years, I started browsing Century’s
how we experience my home’s social
website and find out new products.
space. Now, our pets are part of the
In her sixteen years of professional
Now, I know the collection a lot better.
family. My kids love it. And I love the
trajectory, the architect Maria Fernanda
I’m a Century expert [laughter]. Those
idea of being able to bring them home
Gevaerd designed architecture projects
who know my work know I take the full
without wondering if my sofa is going
that gathered experiences, spontaneity,
customization of each environment
to be shredded [laughter]. That’s great.
naturalness, personality, culture, and
very seriously, especially the bedrooms,
history. Her journey started in Blumenau,
which are so personal and can reflect
Santa Catarina, and now she lives in the
even more their owners’ personality.
best city to live in the country: Maringá
Century is the only brand that gives
(PR). Being a woman, wife, mother, and
me
managing an office is the recipe to create
finishes, textures, materials, and colors
light and contemporary spaces, filled with
to change the products. Whether in
Century products, both of the upholstered
a leisure home, a clinic, a high-end
furniture line and the complementary
apartment, or a loft for a young person,
furniture line.
I can find and create every style with
the
opportunity
of
choosing
Century. pictures by Marília Ganassin and Jefferson Ohara
[C] We’re looking forward to know what comfort means to you, a professional that has been recommending Century for years. Comfort is coziness, is feeling hugged. Bringing it to Century’s universe, it’s that nice feeling that surrounds you. In every Century collection, you find comfort and slimness. It means that the sofas are neat, but don’t spread all around, giving that sensation of a messed-up room. It embraces you, hugs you, but you don’t feel lost in a tangle of fabric and filling [laughter]. It’s hard to put it in words, but Century gathers comfort and design like anyone else.
78 |
| 79
Rodolfo Fontana [C] How your relationship with Century
being. Life is made of cycles and
started?
moments. Our house must be very flexible, so we’re always in comfortable
The Curitiban architect Rodolfo Fontana has a rich and encompassing education. He went to the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage (ENSAP Bordeaux), France; to the University of Illinois, Chicago; to Constructed Environments by The New School, New York; to Architecture Office Management by Belas Artes, São Paulo, and holds an MBA in Luxury Architecture by the Roberto Miranda Institute, São Paulo. Since 2019, he has been running his own office, with countless authorial projects marked by contemporaneity, good taste, and comfort, everything Century loves.
My relationship with Century exists
environments. Translating it to our
since my first project. In my personal
day-to-day, it means planning an
flat’s home theater, I’ve an Alladro, that
environment in which we can host a
amazing sofa. Century has furniture
superformal meeting in one day and, in
of excellent quality, refined, resistant,
the next one, we can have a party in
with nice fabrics, nice fillings, and at
it or entertain our friends. I believe the
a very fair market price. The brand’s
same sofa, the same furniture, and the
positioning is quite interesting.
lighting can differently compose the same environment in different styles. In
[C] Since your graduation, you’ve been
my flat’s project, for example, the sofa
channeling your architecture to the
is in the middle of environment, and not
luxury market. Luxury and comfort are
pushed against the wall, as we usually
converging or diverging elements?
see in projects. So, I can move the sofa wherever I want and instantly change
Your question has an interesting historic
how I welcome people in the same
factor because, in the past, the fancier
space. That’s comfort.
and most expensive clothes were the less comfortable. In architecture and
[C]
From
all
your
references
and
interior decor, for quite a while, design
experiences, what moves you as a
was more important than functionality
person?
pictures by Wagner Andrade, Matheus
or comfort. Nowadays, comfort is a
Kaplun, and Vinicius Moscato
luxury on its own. Living comfortably
My great hobby is aviation. It’s reflected
was never so in vogue. Those who, like
in all my projects, which are named
Century, manage to combine design
according to the International Phonetic
and comfort in the same piece, in the
Alphabet, like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie,
same solution, will definitely lead the
Delta, and so on, used by pilots to
market.
communicate with the command tower. Actually, I’m fascinated with everything
[C] What comfort means to you?
that moves, like yachts and even trains [laughter]. I see design and architecture
To me, comfort is the plurality of
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in all of it.
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Silvia Carvalho Tasting a good wine in special moments in the company of friends is a memorable experience of affective sensations. With that in mind, the architect Silvia Carvalho designed Casa dos Vinhos’ environment for the 25th edition of CASACOR Minas Gerais. The cellar has the capacity for 400 bottles and is automatized to simplify the process of choosing them. “Using an app, the visitor can select the origin country of the wine he wants to taste. Then, LED lights are activated to illuminate the labels of the bottles of wine that come from that region,” explains Silvia. In the design of this wonderful space, Silvia prioritized comfort A great automatized cellar is the protagonist of Silvia Carvalho’s project, which counts with technology to facilitate the choice of the wine. pictures by Jomar Bragança
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and abundant natural light, with sights to the exuberant surrounding landscape. In reference to the winery, the space is layered with rock and wood, in addition to the armchairs’ natural leather, pieces that compose a reading environment. And the protagonist of this environment could only be Century’s Vigo sofa, applied here with a fabric of organic tone to match the project’s natural textures.
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Juliana Meda The architect Juliana Meda opened her office 15 years ago in the city of Londrina, Paraná. Her portfolio is composed of over 400 projects, including architecture and interior design. Juliana’s style is essentially eclectic, with references from modernism and classic to minimalism. In the projects she signs, all of it is translated into pieces that astonish us, with impeccable visual appeal and plastic. In this project, we loved how Juliana bet on Century furniture with organic curves, like the Harry armchair and the Ancona sofa, matching perfectly with other natural elements, like the wood and even the natural light that penetrates the whole building. Sobriety and minimalism are Juliana Meda’s bet for this environment in which the organic curves of Century’s upholstered furniture became the protagonists of the comfort seen in this project. pictures by R.R. Rufino / Personal collection
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Ninha Chiozzini The main feature of this apartment signed by the architect Ninha Chiozzini is the sobriety and purity present in the shapes and tones. Located in the commercial and baking hub of the city of Maringá, Paraná, this apartment gained the atmosphere of a real urban haven, giving to its dwellers the feeling of well-being and coziness. When you enter the apartment, you have the sensation that the architect managed to bring nature inside. It was done not with plants, but with the sandy texture from the walls, the woody tones of the furniture, and the natural linen texture from Century’s upholstered The architect Ninha Chiozzini gave an
furniture. You can feel the harmony between all of that.
atmosphere of comfort and coziness to
It is worth mentioning that Ninha is one of the architects that
this apartment, where sandy tones are
recommends every product of Century’s line: sofas, armchairs, stools,
predominant and Century’s pieces of
chairs, side tables, coffee tables, and sideboards. They are all in this
furniture are present in every environment.
work, customized according to the mood developed by her. Amazing!
pictures by Jefferson Ohara
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BEATRIZ TAMAYO-CURA K R O N E F U R N I T U R E , S A N J UA N Founded by the architect Luis Cura in 1975 and now run by his niece, the designer Beatriz TamayoCura, Krone Furniture is
San Juan
a traditional decor store in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “We got acquainted with Century at Abimad 2016 and fell in love with the brand. We knew right then that its customizable products would be the perfect solution for our country’s architects and designers.” @krone_furniture.pr
i m a i M SALIM SKAF H A R M O N Y ST U D I O, M I A M I
Sao Paulo
Harmony Studio is a luxury furniture store founded by Salim Skaf in Miami, United States. In a market where the brands of luxury furniture is mainly Italian-based, Harmony includes Century’s products in its portfolio, becoming an exclusive channel of the brand in the region. Harmony Studio is expanding, opening two other stores in Florida and bringing even more of the Brazilian zest to the American domestic market, where Century’s products of the Cozy line are a hit. @harmonystudiomiami
ANDRÉ SAAD G P L I F E D E C O R , S ÃO PA U LO Much more than a store with service by appointment, GP Life Decor, in São Paulo, presents an entirely different concept of showroom. Five times a year, GP releases a new collection, presented in spaces full
with scenography, based on a trend or a character, with details like the book this character would read, his glasses, his coat… “That’s how we managed to bring emotion to the moment of purchase, because people don’t buy products; they buy the benefit and comfort they bring,” explains André Saad, store manager. According to him, Century is his main upholstered furniture supplier due to the versatility that the brand offers in the composition of its many collections, in addition to satisfying his demands with safety and robustness. @gplifedecor 88 |
THEY ARE CENTURY! SALOMÃO CROSMAN N OVO A M B I E N T E , R I O D E JA N E I R O This family company founded by Salomão and Riva Crosman brings in its portfolio great names of the national and international design. Present
Rio
in Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, it opened its first branch in São Paulo in 2015, counting today with two brands in Alameda Grabriel Monteiro, Jardins. Starring its showroom, we find Zanine Caldas, Ronald Sasson, Índio da Costa, Luan del Salvio, and many other Brazilians who made history in design. Among the international designers, we have Philipe Starck, Piero Lissoni, Patrícia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders, and many others. This place is perfect for Century’s line, because it mixes the national zest with European aspirations in products of excellent quality and competitiveness. @novoambiente
Curitiba
MARCIA ALMEIDA C AS A V I L L A B AT E L D E C O R , C U R I T I B A In the fashion market for over 30 years, Marcia Almeida is a fashion icon in the city of Curitiba, being a public person of great influence in the region. Her entrance in the furniture market was quite natural. When she was decorating her new apartment, people got delighted with her furniture curatorship and wanted to know where she got the furniture that composed her new dwelling. That was the beginning of Villa Batel, a store with more than 30 years and full of decor solutions. “I periodically do all my decor works with Century, which also has a language that links fashion to decor. I love it!” @marciacalmeida @villabatel
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EVENTS by
2021 sales convention An exciting convention with our representatives and commercial friends, a night with a lot of information about the news presented by Century for sales and customer channels.
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Lucila visits Century We welcomed Lucila Zahran, our ambassador from Casa de Valentina, for a delicious dinner with partner architects. We even talked about digital presence. It was a great!
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