André Gurgel — Brazil’s Design to Global Recognition

André Gurgel is a Brazilian product and furniture designer best known for his work with Mula Preta Design Studio, a São Paulo–based practice he co-founded with architect Felipe Bezerra. Gurgel’s practice blends computational design methods with a strong sense of material tactility and human scale. Fluens, his now-iconic loveseat, is a case study in how parametric thinking, mathematical rigor and careful material choices can produce furniture that is at once expressive and usable. The project’s Platinum A’ Design Award recognition reflects both its conceptual strength and high level of execution.

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Fluens Loveseat — a concept in motion

Fluens rethinks what a loveseat can be. Rather than relying on symmetrical forms or predictable profiles, Fluens explores intentional asymmetry: every view offers a new silhouette. The design was developed through parametric modelling — a computational process that allowed Gurgel to generate flowing curves and complex surfaces governed by mathematical rules. The result is a visual language that reads as dynamic and organic while remaining engineered for ergonomics and comfort.

Parametric design as a production strategy

The hallmark of Fluens is its parametric backbone. Parametric modelling is not purely about aesthetics; it’s a production enabler. By encoding proportions, curvature and shell thickness into algorithmic rules, the team could iterate quickly, maintain structural integrity, and export precise geometry for prototyping and production. The approach allowed Gurgel and his collaborators to push shape complexity without losing control over manufacturability — a crucial factor when moving from studio concept to an actual product that can be manufactured and delivered.

Asymmetry that enhances usability

Asymmetry in Fluens is not decorative for its own sake. Its off-balance profiles create ergonomic benefits: one side offers a slightly deeper lounge posture, the other supports more upright seating. This duality makes the loveseat flexible in real living conditions — it can host casual lounging and more formal conversation without changing pieces. The design therefore embraces variability: visual surprise and user comfort working together.

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Materials, construction and finishing

Fluens pairs sculptural geometry with practical construction choices. The shell and frame logic are designed to accommodate upholstery and cushioning while protecting join integrity. Textile selection, foam densities and internal supports were tuned to preserve the silhouette and deliver long-term comfort. Surface finishing and seam detailing were chosen to emphasize the continuous flow of the form rather than interrupt it — a small but critical design decision that lifts perception from “upholstered object” to “designed artifact.”

Prototyping and the pathway to production

Translating parametric geometry into physical prototypes required a combination of rapid prototyping techniques and traditional upholstery craft. CNC-cut molds, 3D printed scale studies and full-scale models were used in sequence to test ergonomics, shell behavior and aesthetic presence. After refining the geometry, upholstery specialists worked to match foam layers and stitch paths to the underlying form. This hybrid workflow is a practical model for designers seeking to take computational forms into production without compromising finish quality.

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Why the Platinum A’ Design Award matters

Platinum recognition from A’ Design Award is reserved for the highest tier of winners — projects judged to be exceptional in design quality, innovation and potential impact. For Fluens, the Platinum award amplified visibility among specifiers, curators and premium furniture buyers. Awards like this do more than decorate a product page: they signal to manufacturers, retailers and clients that a design has cleared a rigorous international evaluation and is ready for serious commercial consideration.

Where Fluens fits in interiors and hospitality

Fluens operates across several settings. In residential projects it becomes a focal seating piece that signals curated taste; in hospitality (boutique hotels, premium lobbies) its sculptural silhouette can anchor a lounge area and create social zones without heavy partitions. For designers and brand teams, Fluens offers a way to combine story (parametric craft, Brazilian design roots) with practical performance — an attractive combination for premium spec programs.

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Brand and business lessons from the Fluens story

1. Invest in digital craft: Parametric tools shorten iteration cycles and increase precision, but they must be married to craft expertise for finish and durability.
2. Turn complexity into clarity: Complex geometry should deliver clear user benefits (ergonomics, versatility) to justify production costs.
3. Use awards strategically: International awards accelerate PR and B2B conversations — especially useful for smaller studios pursuing distribution.
4. Prototype to reduce risk: A staged prototyping plan (scale → full-size mock → production pilot) de-risks complex shapes and helps communicate intent to manufacturers.

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Curatorial and editorial opportunities

Fluens photographs beautifully: its flowing outlines create dynamic negative space and strong shadow language that perform well in editorial spreads. Curators can present the story as an intersection of algorithmic design and traditional making; for showrooms, the piece works as a hero object around which lifestyle vignettes (rug, table, lighting) can be composed. For press and social campaigns, behind-the-scenes footage of parametric iterations and upholstery sequences offers compelling content.

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Sustainability and lifecycle considerations

Parametric design can support sustainability by optimizing material use — thickness maps and structural analysis prevent over-engineering. Fluens’ approach can reduce waste in prototyping and improve material efficiency in production. Additionally, designing for repairable upholstery and replaceable cushions increases service life, aligning premium furniture with circular economy principles favored by many specifiers today.

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