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Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Umma Swing suspends within a coastal environment, its curved bentwood frame describing graceful parabolic arcs that rise from a woven base to converge at a central suspension
Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Umma Swing manifests as a luminous interior sanctuary where soft natural light cascades through expansive gridded fenestration, the window frames dividing the view into a rhy
Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Umma Swing emerges as a suspended sanctuary of pale natural wood and pristine white textiles, occupying the central vertical axis of this contemporary domestic interior with
Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Umma Swing presents a suspended seating structure demonstrating sophisticated material dialogue between powder-coated tubular metal in a warm champagne or matte gold finish a
Suspended within a sun-washed coastal environment, this suspended seating design presents a masterful composition where structural elegance meets environmental harmony, the piece occupying the central

Ariane Rosa Studio Arquitetura e Design

Bronze Furniture Design · 2024

Umma Swing

by Ariane Rosa

  • A' Design Award 2024 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2024
  • CLIENT: Ariane Rosa Studio Arquitetura e Design
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 21,561
  • Verification code 56663E097C · Verify this award
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About Umma Swing

Umma swing is designed to create a coastal, nautical ambiance. This versatile swing adapts very well for indoor or outdoor settings, offering a welcoming retreat for leisure time. The cushions evoke a sense of timelessness and peacefulness by the shore. Its curves and seamless lines distinguish it from other offerings in its category, while its dimensions are carefully crafted to ensure comfort. With its design and attention to detail, the Umma Swing is a testament to a commitment to both functionality and aesthetics.

Ariane Cristina da Rosa's Umma Swing engages longstanding design traditions that unite furniture craft with environmental consciousness, situating functional seating within broader conversations about outdoor living, material authenticity, and the psychological benefits of coastal proximity, the work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of bentwood forming techniques with heritage extending through Thonet's nineteenth-century innovations to contemporary Scandinavian and modernist furniture traditions that celebrate structural honesty and material expression, the graceful parabolic curves governing the swing's silhouette suggest familiarity with principles of tensile engineering and organic form-finding, while the woven base recalls centuries of basket-making traditions across global cultures, from willow and rattan work to contemporary fiber arts, creating visual and tactile interest through rhythmic repetition and negative space articulation, the designer's choice to suspend this intimate seating environment achieves multiple formal and experiential effects, elevating the user slightly above ground plane while introducing gentle kinetic possibility, the swinging motion connecting occupant to natural rhythms of wind and body weight redistribution, the careful integration of comfort elements through generous upholstery demonstrates attention to extended occupancy and genuine usability rather than purely sculptural concerns, distinguishing functional furniture from decorative object, the material palette speaks to contemporary preferences for warm neutrals and natural fiber authenticity, avoiding synthetic colorants in favor of inherent material beauty, the honey-toned timber exhibiting growth rings and grain variation that acknowledge its organic origins, while the unbleached textile and natural rope maintain visual coherence through understated elegance, the photographic presentation situating the swing within an actual beach environment rather than studio isolation proves significant, suggesting the designer's conception of furniture as experiential proposition rather than isolated commodity, the context invites viewers to imagine sensory dimensions beyond the visual including salt air, rhythmic wave sound, textured sand underfoot, and gentle motion, the work thus participates in growing design discourse around wellness environments, biophilic principles, and the therapeutic potential of nature-proximate spaces, while the pristine condition and careful craft execution signal premium positioning within outdoor furniture markets increasingly attentive to durability, weather resistance, and sustainable material sourcing, one might observe how this swing negotiates the boundary between public and private space, equally suited to resort hospitality contexts and residential outdoor rooms, its singular form suggesting intimate occupation or shared proximity, inviting viewers to consider how furniture shapes not merely physical comfort but emotional states, social configurations, and our relationship to surrounding environments, how does the integration of handcraft traditions with contemporary engineering create objects that feel simultaneously timeless and current, and what role does material authenticity play in our search for refuge from increasingly synthetic built environments.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
The elegant curved and continuous lines makes Umma outdoor indoor Swing different from other products in the same category.
Umma Swing is conceived from geometric simplicity and evolves to become a new complex living being that fulfills both structural and practical swing requirements.
Dimensions & Packaging
width: 800mm depth: 800m height: 1100mm
Tags
swing, nautical rope, outdoor furniture, outdoor living, nautical rope swing
Production Technology
Umma Swing is made up only of three materials that permit its indoor outdoor use: aluminium for the frame, a recyclable material, nautical rope and technical fabrics for the upholstery.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge was finding a technical solution that met the desired aesthetic standard, ensuring comfort and sustainability, and also allowing the creation of multiple pieces from a few basic elements.
Project Duration
This project started in february 2023
Operation Flow
Umma Swing is mainly for sitting purpose but can also be viewed as piece of art work that can be used both inside and outside doors. The simple lines invite to sit down and enjoy the present moment.
Research
The main objective of the project was to make a visually light and elegant outdoor swing to find the right aesthetic balance. Aluminum combined with upholstery in technical material guarantee the necessary sustainability and robustness characteristics of this sustainable project.
Inspiration
Original and elegant, Umma Swing brings a coastal, nautical vibe to any setting. It is perfect for spending some quality chill out time outdoors or indoors.‎ The large cushions hug and take you to a safe place suspended in time, just like when you are on vacation by the shore.

Colors of Umma Swing

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We create custom furniture and interior spaces that tell your unique story. Combining sustainable materials with innovative design, our studio specializes in handcrafted furniture pieces and complete interior transformations for residential and commercial clients.

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Design Interview about Umma Swing

The comfort, beauty, lightness, and versatility are concepts I take into consideration with each new creation

The search for an outdoor furniture piece that was lightweight, with minimal details and embellishments, featuring curved, light, and elegant lines. Additionally, designed with dimensions and materials aimed at maximum comfort

This piece is being produced and marketed by Sulvimes in Brazil.

Approximately one year

I was searching for outdoor furniture for two particular projects, but couldn't find what I was looking for. So, I created and developed the Umma Collection.

The Umma Collection is being produced and marketed by Sulvimes in Brazil

The need I identified in the market: namely, the lack of outdoor furniture that was lightweight and delicate with a differentiated design and affordable price.

Philippe Starck and Daniela Ferro

Those who wish to have a designer piece of furniture at an affordable price

The curved lines, the lightness, the comfort, and the versatility. Also, the use of nautical rope: without unnecessary embellishment

Umma means 'community' in Arabic, it also means 'mother/mommy' in some African languages, it's the first signature collection I've created, meaning the mother of all.

Pencil and paper for sketching, then 3D modeling in SketchUp

the concept behind the collection: lightness, elegance and comfort

I hired someone to do the modeling

Sustainability and durability through the selection of appropriate materials for the desired function.

market research to find what was available

achieve the desired formal result taking into account the limitations of materials and production.

It's a piece so different from anything else out there, it's a really innovative and beautiful design, versatile and possible to produce. So I thought: why not?

I learned a lot about how to proceed when creating a design piece, what are the conditions that really matter

I would like to say that it is an immense pleasure and a great honor to have been nominated twice. And since my goal is to reach platinum, I will continue creating unique designs to achieve this goal.

Grand Interview about Umma Swing

During some outdoor projects I looked for furniture that was lighter, without so much nautical rope, but elegant, without right angles. That they were versatile and durable. As I didn't find what I was looking for on the market, I developed the Umma Armchair, and later the Umma Swing as well as 8 other pieces that make up the Umma Collection.

When developing the Umma Collection I noticed that on the market we didn't have open swings that were comfortable and beautiful. Most of the swings were closed, thus preventing the relationship with the surrounding environment. So, following the same lines as the Umma Armchair, I developed the Umma Swing with its light and elegant aesthetic, which does not weigh down the environment, being a piece that is not only functional, but also decorative.

While designing the Umma Swing for both indoor and outdoor use, I focused on selecting robust materials like aluminum and nautical rope, which provide weather resistance while maintaining a visually delicate feel. This balance was essential to capture the tranquility and elegance of coastal surroundings. My goal was to create a restful piece that, while durable, conveys lightness and timelessness, complementing spaces without overwhelming them visually. In this way, the Umma Swing becomes an invitation to contemplation, evoking serenity and connecting the user with the surrounding environment.

The cushions of the Umma Swing were crafted to immerse the user in a feeling of peaceful suspension, as though resting by the shore. In the design process, I focused on creating a softness that mimics the gentle, enveloping embrace of waves. The shape and placement of the cushions were carefully considered to provide not only physical comfort but also an emotional experience, as if time slows and the surroundings fade into tranquility. This connection through form and comfort was key to evoke that timeless, serene atmosphere, allowing the swing to become a haven of quietude, whether by the ocean or in an indoor setting

Sustainability was central to the development of the Umma Swing, guiding both structural and aesthetic choices. The use of recyclable aluminum allowed for a lightweight yet durable frame, essential for achieving the swing's open, airy design that harmonizes with its surroundings. This material provided the flexibility to form continuous, flowing lines without right angles, enhancing the sense of visual lightness. Technical fabrics, chosen for their durability and eco-friendly properties, added to the swing’s resilience against various elements while keeping the aesthetic soft and refined. Each decision was a step toward creating a sustainable, elegant piece that merges functionality with an enduring, responsible design.

Receiving the Bronze A' Design Award for the Umma Swing is both an honor and a catalyst for future explorations. This recognition reinforces my commitment to creating furniture that transcends function and becomes a form of artistic expression. Moving forward, I am inspired to continue blending sculptural aesthetics with practical comfort, pushing boundaries with sustainable materials and fluid forms. The award fuels my vision to craft pieces that invite interaction and evoke emotion, bridging the gap between design and the human experience. I see it as a stepping stone to explore new concepts that challenge conventions while resonating deeply with those who engage with them.

Designing the Umma Swing to achieve both optimal comfort and an elegant, seamless look within its dimensions presented unique technical challenges. Maintaining the balance between a sturdy structure and a visually light appearance required precise engineering. The frame’s curvature and proportions were meticulously calculated to support a naturally ergonomic posture, ensuring comfort without adding bulk. Additionally, the placement and density of the cushions were adjusted to offer a soft, suspended feeling, enhancing the swing's inviting character. By focusing on these details, I was able to create a piece that feels as good as it looks, blending functionality with an effortless elegance

My background in architecture has deeply influenced my approach to furniture design, especially in the creation of the Umma Swing. With 27 years in the field, I’ve developed a keen eye for proportions, spatial harmony, and structural integrity, all of which are integral to my design philosophy. In the Umma Swing, I applied architectural principles—such as the flow of continuous lines and the balance between form and function—to achieve an open, inviting geometry that connects seamlessly with its surroundings. This approach allowed me to create a piece that feels like an extension of its space, blending architectural precision with a sense of lightness and movement.

Integrating nautical elements into the Umma Swing was a journey of research and experimentation aimed at capturing the essence of coastal living while keeping it versatile for varied environments. I explored traditional maritime materials, like nautical rope, known for its durability and natural texture, and combined it with sleek aluminum to evoke a sense of breezy elegance. The goal was to achieve a subtle maritime influence without being overly thematic, allowing the swing to feel at home in a range of settings. Experimenting with different textures, weaves, and proportions helped me create a design that hints at the sea’s tranquility yet retains a universal appeal, fitting seamlessly into both indoor and outdoor spaces

From the very start of Umma Swing’s development in February 2023, my commitment to creating 'unique and daring projects' shaped each design choice to ensure the piece was both functional and emotionally resonant. I wanted to challenge traditional expectations of a swing, crafting it with open, continuous lines that convey a feeling of suspension and lightness. Each curve and material was carefully selected to blend elegance with durability, allowing the swing to evoke a sense of calm and connection with its surroundings. This approach infused the piece with both a bold visual identity and a quiet emotional depth, creating an experience that goes beyond functionality to truly resonate with the user.

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