04/30/2026
Born in 1927, in Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Rodrigues began his career as an architect, graduating in the early 1950s.
But it was through furniture design that he would redefine an entire visual language.
At a time when modernism was dominated by rigid European ideals, Rodrigues introduced something radically different: warmth, comfort, and identity.
In 1955, he founded Oca, a groundbreaking space that brought together architects, artists, and intellectuals, helping shape what we now recognize as Brazilian modern design.
Just two years later, in 1957, he created his most iconic piece, the Mole Armchair. With its deep leather cushions and solid wooden structure, it became an international symbol of Brazilian design, winning first prize at the Cantù Triennale in 1961.
Throughout his career, Rodrigues remained committed to using native materials, especially Brazilian hardwoods, and to designing pieces that were not only beautiful, but deeply comfortable and human.
He transformed furniture into something more than functional, something cultural.
Sergio Rodrigues passed away in 2014, but his legacy continues to define Brazilian design around the world.
