Sofia De=Francesco

Partindo de uma linguagem colaborativa entre o manual vs industrial, B1 [banco singular] é um objeto de investigação que procura ensaiar novas possibilidades de interpretação do design emergente, com afinidades construtivas baseadas em referências visuais arquitetónicas e património edificado na segunda metade do séc. XX. B1 pretende ser [1.] evidência do trabalho exímio do mestre-artesão [2.] resultado parcial e expedito das tecnologias industriais e [3.] materialização e sincronização de vários campos de ação numa única e ponderada volumetria, que testemunha a relevância do contacto direto, efetivo e evolutivo entre designer, artesão e indústria. — Emerging from a discourse that connects artisanal vs industrial, B1 [singular stool] stands as an object of inquiry, exploring new avenues for interpreting emerging design. It embraces the constructive ethos and materials associated with modernist architecture, drawing from architectural visuals and built heritage of the latter 20th century. This piece is a product of a collaborative effort involving [1] designer, [2] artisan, and [3] the industry. Designed to bridge the gap between age-old artisanship and contemporary manufacturing techniques, the B1 stool serves as a testament to the potential of these combined aspects. It is crafted not only as a functional piece of furniture but also as an artistic expression with architectural affinity. Stop by @rocalisboagallery_official to see B1 in person, from May 22nd to July 31st, as part of @lisbondesignweek . Photography: @inesilvasa

The Art of Hosting by Sofia De=Francesco MODULNOVA Lisboa During Lisbon Design Week 2026, we invite you to the presentation of The Art of Hosting, a living space created by Sofia De=Francesco in collaboration with MODULNOVA Lisboa. The exhibition explores a new vision of living through clean geometries, tactile surfaces and handmade pieces, shaping an atmosphere where objects become part of everyday rituals. Rooted in Sofia’s ongoing research into recycled materials and artisanal processes, including the Paper Derm technique, The Art of Hosting transforms table, light and object into elements of presence, contemplation and sharing. Video production: @inesilvasa 27 May | 18:00–21:00 MODULNOVA Lisboa Largo Santos 11, Lisboa #servantshowroom #Modulnova #LDW2026 #LisbonDesignWeek #Lisbon

Really proud and grateful to see This Is Not Cork featured on @openhousemagazine , a publication I’ve long admired 🤎 This Is Not Cork is an ongoing exploration of material value and craft in Portugal, working with olive pit waste to question how discarded matter can be redefined through design. Thank you so much @carissadiazaleman and @pattycastellar Photographed by @inesilvasa in Trás-os-Montes

Sofia De=Francesco is a Porto-based multidisciplinary designer exploring the dialogue between craft, industry, and material research. Her work blends artisanal heritage with subtle Modernist references, creating objects with distinct narratives. Presented work: B2 Stool — where geometric structure meets memory, with fabric and lace introducing softness, warmth, and traces of lived experience. @sofia__defrancesco 20–26 April 2026
12:00 — 22:00

Vernissage
20 April, 18:00 — 22:00

COMUNE Party
22 April, 18:00 — 02:00

@spazioivy  
Via Savona 97/C8, Milan
COMUNE — Milan Design 
Week 2026

“Um caroço de azeitona igual àqueles que nunca sabemos onde pôr no prato, foi o ponto de partida para @sofia__defrancesco desenvolver um novo material. “This is not cork ”, apressa-se a explicar a designer ao apresentar as duas mesas que criou com este granulado, feito a partir de um desperdício da indústria do azeite. Isto não é cortiça, de facto, é a criatividade a vir ao de cima da forma mais inesperada, uma qualidade que resolvemos enaltecer neste número.” O trabalho de @sofia__defrancesco inspirou o editorial da edição 31. Por lá encontra uma entrevista à designer portuguesa e alguns dos objetos que já desenhou. Fotografia: @inesilvasa

Very happy to be present for the first time at @collectiblefair with @luso.collective . I’ll be premiering new pieces inspired by memory. Textiles begin to enter my objects, bringing warmth, softness, and traces of lived moments. Hope to see you there 🪡

WIP for @collectiblefair w/ @luso.collective . From a beloved archive: research and process for the 2026 body of work.

love letters from last month

This Is Not Cork (Side Tables) Olive pit agglomerate, brushed stainless steel. Photography: @inesilvasa

here’s a (pretty incomplete) selection of memories from 2025🌹

At first glance, it looks like cork. But it’s a material born from what we discard: olive pits, one of Portugal’s most abundant by-products. This Is Not Cork reimagines this residue as a functional material. By transforming what is often overlooked, the project challenges how we assign value to matter and redefines our relationship with place, mirroring a broader cultural and ecological shift. A new project I hold dear to wrap up the year. More to be revealed in 2026 🤎 This Is Not Cork (Side Table) Olive pit agglomerate, brushed stainless steel Photography: @inesilvasa

Selected works now at @el___quadrado 🥄 Online and in store.