Patricia Urquiola – Craftsmanship, Color, and Joy of Life for B&B Italia Outdoor

Patricia Urquiola is one of the most sought-after international designers and architects of our time. Born in Oviedo, Spain, and educated and rooted in Milan, her work combines southern European sensuality with industrial precision. Her outdoor designs for B&B Italia are among the most recognizable and cited pieces in contemporary garden architecture.

Design Philosophy

Urquiola views furniture as objects of daily life – not as sculptures. They should be pleasant, bring joy, and evoke emotions. Her outdoor designs are therefore rich in material, texture, and color: woven ropes in vibrant tones, organic shapes reminiscent of craftsmanship, and a playfulness rarely found at B&B Italia.

At the same time, Urquiola's designs are complex in their craftsmanship. The woven seats of the Canasta series, the sculptural cushion shapes of the Husk Outdoor, the textile density of the Fat-Sofa – all of this requires elaborate manufacturing, which B&B Italia realizes in its production facility in Novedrate.

B&B Italia Outdoor Designs by Patricia Urquiola

Canasta & Canasta 13

Canasta is probably Patricia Urquiola's most famous outdoor furniture. The hand-woven polyethylene rope in vibrant colors sits on an aluminum frame and creates an appearance reminiscent of traditional basketry – but technically designed for decades outdoors. Canasta 13 is the updated version with finer weaving. Both collections include a sofa, armchair, and dining chair – Canasta 13 also includes a side table.

Husk Outdoor

Husk surprises with its sculptural form: the large, round upholstered elements, which look like petals or corn husks, give the collection its name. The deep lounge chair and the compact dining chair are equally comfortable and distinctive. A piece of furniture that stands out in a room – in the best sense.

Butterfly

Butterfly is Urquiola's lightest, most playful outdoor design: a lounge chair with an organically shaped shell and a side table that mirrors the chair's form. Light, movable, colorful – ideal for quick changes between sun and shade.

Fat-Sofa Outdoor

The Fat-Sofa – originally an indoor classic – has been consistently adapted by Urquiola for outdoor use. The lush, round proportions remain; the materials are fully designed for weather and UV exposure. A statement piece of furniture for terraces with character.

Crinoline

Crinoline is named after the historical hoop skirt – the bulbous, round silhouette of the armchair playfully references this shape. Crinoline is a unique piece that functions as an eye-catcher: by the pool, on the terrace, in a garden with room for personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which B&B Italia Outdoor collections did Patricia Urquiola design?

Canasta, Canasta 13, Husk Outdoor, Butterfly, Fat-Sofa Outdoor, and Crinoline – some of the most characteristic and photographed outdoor furniture from B&B Italia.

What is special about Urquiola's Canasta collection?

The handcrafted polyethylene rope weaving in vibrant colors – UV-resistant, water-repellent, and dimensionally stable. Each piece is hand-woven and thus bears the character of a unique item, even though it is industrially manufactured.

Which outdoor areas are suitable for Urquiola designs?

Urquiola's collection is most effective in outdoor areas with personality: Mediterranean-planted terraces, lively pool gardens, hotel areas with high guest reception. Her furniture is not a background – it is a protagonist.

Are Urquiola furniture pieces also suitable for gastronomy?

Yes. Especially Canasta 13 (stackable dining chair) and Husk Outdoor (dining chair) are used internationally in restaurants and hotels. The materials are designed for intensive use.

Discover now

The complete B&B Italia Outdoor Collection →     More about B&B Italia →