BFMF 90º Vertical
Developed in 2022, the B.F.M.F. 90º Vertical (also referred to as B.F.M.F. 04) represents the most recent and architecturally significant evolution of the Bent Foam, Metal Frame series. This specific model was commissioned as a central piece for the ambitious renovation and refurbishment of the Ateneo de Madrid, a bicentennial cultural institution of immense historical weight in Spain. The studio’s objective was to introduce contemporary design into this heritage-rich environment, creating a dialogue between the institution's 19th-century colonial legacy and modern material innovation.
The design team conceptualized the 90º Vertical model as a masterclass in minimalism and mechanical efficiency. Unlike previous iterations that utilized multiple foam components, this sofa consists of solely one single foam block. The piece achieves its functional form through a simple yet powerful vertical rotation of 90 degrees. This "single-gesture" approach highlights the studio’s Foam Follows Function philosophy: a metallic structure performs a precise grip on both corners of the foam block, forcing it into a stable seating position. By utilizing the inherent resistance of the foam against the authority of the iron frame, the team transformed a raw industrial volume into a sophisticated tool for rest.
Technically, the B.F.M.F. 04 was tailored to meet the unique aesthetic and durability requirements of the Ateneo. While earlier models featured technical neoprene, this version is upholstered in a whiskey-colored velvet fabric from the Spanish supplier Nobilis. This choice of material, featuring Fiberguard technology for high stain resistance, pays homage to the warm, distinguished atmosphere of traditional cultural clubs while maintaining a fresh, contemporary edge. The iron frame remains visible, serving as a structural skeleton that emphasizes the tension required to "tame" the foam, ensuring the piece remains a 100% mechanical assembly.
As a landmark in the studio’s trajectory, the B.F.M.F. 90º Vertical serves as a bridge between experimental research and high-level institutional interior design. It stands as a testament to the team’s ability to adapt industrial "bastardism" to prestigious contexts, proving that the honest interaction between a rigid frame and a bent material can create objects that are both functional assets for a historic institution and cutting-edge statements in contemporary furniture design.