Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai by Larissa Sanches

Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai by Larissa Sanches is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Uʻamea in Mamanu Meafale Competition Category.

UʻameaMeafale· 2026

Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai

by Larissa Sanches

Client: Larissa Sanches Design

A' Design Award Uʻamea Winner in Meafale Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai

Tusitusiga o le Tusi: O le Pusa Meaʻai Lina na faaosofia mai i manatuaga o faapotopotoga a le aiga ma faasinomaga i le fale o se tinamatua. Ua faaigoa i le tinamatua o le tagata mamanu, ua liua ai e ia le ipu teuteu i se elemene aoga ma faatusa e ala i au laau maʻaʻa ua vaevaeina i luga o faitotoa. O lona tino lapotopoto ma vae faapiopio e faasino atu i foliga piʻo e masani ona maua i fale masani, ma faamalosia ai se lagona o le masani ma le measina. O le mamanu e paleni ai galuega, faatusa ma le manatua i se fasi meaafale mamanu lelei.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Uʻamea

O le A' Design Award Uʻamea na manumalo ai Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai, o se faamaoniga mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu lelei e faataunuu ai manaʻoga faapolofesa ma pisinisi e faamoemoeina mai galuega ua mamanuina lelei. O ē manumalo i le Uʻamea e faaalia ai le tomai tele, le faapitoa maualuga, le malamalama o tagata poto ma le mafai fatufatuaʻi o ē na faia. E faamoemoeina Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai e avea ma mea ua matuā vivii, mataʻina ma pelepelea e aogā ma fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Uʻamea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili o le pisinisi ma e iai uiga faatekonolosi mafai ua fesoʻotaʻi ma le poto ma le taleni. Ona o lona faatuatuaina, e tatau ai Lina Galuega Autu: Pusa Meaʻai ona faaaloalogia ma ua mamanuina e tuuina mai ai faaleleiga o le olaga e fesoasoani e faia ai e le lalolagi se nofoaga e sili atu ona lelei.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Lina Buffet reinterprets the decorative plate as a functional and symbolic element. Crafted in solid wood and divided into two halves forming the door handles, the plate complements the buffet's function and reinforces its connection to the dining setting, where meals are served and gatherings take place. The rounded forms and arched legs extend the grandmother's home concept, inspired by the curved and arched elements found in traditional architecture.
Dimensions & Packaging: W 1800mm x D 450mm x H 750 mm
Tags: Lina Buffet, decorative plate, affective design, gathering, family, heritage, memory, belonging, product design, furniture design, Brazilian design, Larissa Sanches
Production Technology: The structure is made of MDF coated with natural wood veneer, while the doors receive a lacquered finish. The base is produced in flat carbon steel, ensuring strength with visual lightness. The handles are machined from solid wood and feature a brass inlay that outlines the plate geometry, combining industrial processes with refined craftsmanship and high-quality finishing.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was integrating a symbolic object with strong cultural and emotional meaning into the functional structure of the buffet, ensuring it would be recognizable and part of the piece. The project required refining the decorative plate, simplifying its elements while preserving its identity, and translating architectural references from traditional houses into the structure through curves and arches without giving the piece a vintage look.
Research: This design research explores how cultural memory and symbols from everyday domestic life can inspire contemporary furniture. Drawing from familiar elements present in Brazilian homes, the study reflects on how objects can carry emotional meaning beyond their practical role. Observations of dining rituals, visual references and material exploration guided the process, revealing how subtle symbolic details in furniture can evoke memories, reinforce identity and enrich everyday living experiences.
Inspiration: Inspired by memories of family gatherings and meals at the designer's grandmother's house, the Lina Buffet was created. One of the most memorable elements of that home was the decorative wall plates, objects that carry the symbolism of abundance and family heritage. The buffet translates these references into functional furniture, aligned with a search for emotional comfort and identity. It embeds nostalgia into a piece that reconnects people with the home as a place of refuge and belonging.
Project Duration: The buffet was developed between May and June 2025, in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Operation Flow: The buffet's double doors open through two halves of a wooden plate that form the handles. Internal compartments organize tableware and items used during gatherings, while the top serves as a surface for serving and display. It connects functional daily use with emotional memory.
Image Credits: Images: Larissa Sanches Design