According to Busetti Garuti Redaelli, the trio of Italian designers behind Pedrali’s Buddy Collection: “Workplaces need to be useful and attractive for the workers. There’s a growing focus on spaces that promote well-being, social interaction and collaboration, while also providing areas for focused work.”

We asked the three designers to share the design thinking and practical considerations that make Buddy a friendly, familiar and ultimately versatile workplace solution.

Indesignlive: There is a playful form to the Buddy range, can you speak to the design inspirations and overarching concept?

Busetti Garuti Redaelli: The initial brief we received from Pedrali at the beginning was to design a new range of poufs. We aimed to define a shape that interpreted the archetypal idea of a pouf that would fit well into different furnishing scenarios. We wanted to create something friendly and welcoming, a design that balanced visual appeal with comfort. The final result is a puffy, soft and round shape. In various dimensions it expresses a true sense of kindness and friendliness. That is why we named it Buddy! The formal guidelines defined for the poufs were a sort of matrix from which we then designed all the other elements of the collection.

What do you think Buddyhub brings to the modern workplace ?

We designed Buddyhub with both current and future workspaces in mind. We knew we had to create something flexible and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of the new normal of work. Buddyhub’s modular components allow for a variety of configurations, whether collaborative zones, quiet work areas or breakout spaces, to meet the multifunctional needs of today’s dynamic and fluid office spaces.

There is a lot of variety and modularity across the collection, how do you envisage the different elements working together?

The family feeling and the modularity of Buddy allow for a seamless integration of the different elements, creating a consistent look and feel into any environment. The elements of the range can be combined to suit various layouts and were designed to be easily moved and reconfigured, encouraging users to adapt the furniture to their needs over time.

How have technical considerations been integrated – charging, side tables – can you share some of the design process to integrate such things?

Since Buddyhub is a system designed for work environments, we had to consider how to integrate charging solutions. From a design perspective, we decided to make everything as integrated and hidden as possible to preserve the overall aesthetic that defines the entire range. The cable management systems were incorporated to ensure that technological elements do not disrupt the overall visual harmony.
At the same time, we made sure that users have easy access to power and video cables, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.

How does the Buddyhub Sideboard fit within the range?

The Buddyhub Sideboard complements the Buddy range by adding storage functionality. It reflects the same design language of the family, is suitable for open-plan workspaces or lounge areas, adding functionality without breaking the cohesive look of the collection. We are very pleased with this new version because by using the same perimeter panels from Buddyhub, we have introduced a new functionality.

The Buddy Oasi is available in an outdoor range, what considerations made it suitable for outdoor?

For the outdoor range, materials and finishes were carefully selected to ensure durability and weather resistance. The materials are UV-resistant, waterproof, corrosion-proof and built to withstand various climates, all while preserving the aesthetic integrity and comfort of the indoor Buddy range. From a design perspective, beyond adapting the poufs for outdoor use with appropriate materials, we also introduced a large seating module that encourages relaxed lounging. The idea was to maintain flexibility in composition and functionality by introducing a movable backrest, allowing users to adjust their seating experience as desired.

For the Buddy Oasi, the backrest is moveable. How did this get resolved from a technical perspective?

This was made possible by carefully defining the weight of the backrest and covering the bottom of the backrest with a non-slip fabric. This combination provides the necessary stability and position while in use. During the prototyping phase, we achieved the right balance between stability, mobility and comfort, allowing the user to effortlessly adjust it to suit the preferred seating position.

How does this collection respond to the needs of interior designers?

We designed the Buddy collection as an ecosystem made up of various elements that can be used both individually or together, depending on the needs and the spaces to be furnished. This thoughtful approach gives interior designers the flexibility to adapt the collection to different environments, whether in corporate settings, hospitality or domestic spaces, allowing for maximum creativity and customisation in spatial planning.

How is sustainability and life cycle factored?

Sustainability is integral to the Buddy collection, with materials chosen for their durability and recyclability. Pedrali ensures responsible sourcing and emphasises long product life cycles, reducing the environmental impact.

What innovations in the workplace furniture sector are you currently seeing and inspired by?

In the workplace furniture sector, there is a strong push toward a warmer, friendly and sustainable design, integrated technology and flexibility. The Buddy family embraces these trends by offering adaptable, sustainable pieces that integrate technology in a subtle yet effective way.

Pedrali
pedrali.com