sergio rodrigues
At the end of the forties Sergio Rodrigues, while still in the School of Architecture in Rio de Janeiro realized Brazilian architecture was experiencing a moment of major significance. After graduating, he felt the interiors of houses and buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, Lúcio Costa and their colleagues did not meet the expectations of the constructions innovative spirit. “They used Colonial style furniture or imported pieces. Furniture was lacking the same national identity achieved in architecture” he recounts. Seeking a personal expression, he took inspiration from traditional materials such as leather, cane splints and wood of the jacaranda tree. In 1956 he founded Oca, a brand that for two decades was the hallmark of modern furniture in Brazil. The proximity of his creations with icons of Brazilian culture and his nonchalance towards fashion fads were the factors that prevailed upon the decision of the jury at the 4th International Biennial of Furniture in Cantu, Italy (1961) to award 1st place to his Sheriff Lounge-chair. This same year also marked its inclusion in the permanent collection of MOMA. Owing to his overt passion for wood and over a half century of work and research, Sergio Rodrigues has produced more than 1,500 models of furniture.